Cedar of lebanon "cedrus libani" 1-13

Water regularly, but allow the root ball to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging. During hot weather, water daily. In winter, adjust watering based on the soil's condition; rain and cold temperatures often keep the substrate moist, so frequent watering may not be necessary.

Best practices: Water thoroughly, ensuring the entire root ball is soaked—excess water should drain freely from the holes at the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, you can submerge the pot in water for a few minutes to ensure complete saturation. We advise against placing a saucer or tray under the pot, as stagnant water can lead to root rot (excess water causes root suffocation).

We use a standard agricultural potting mix (peat, horse manure, bark, and volcanic rock/puzzolana). When repotting—which should be done every 2–3 years—you can mix in a more free-draining substrate such as akadama, pumice, or kiryu. However, be careful not to disturb the root mass too much; do not break apart the entire root ball. Repotting season: spring or late summer (late August).

Many bonsai trees react sensitively to repotting if it is done at the wrong time or too drastically. Therefore, prune away as few roots as possible.

Prune the cedar anytime from spring through autumn. Pinching back new shoots can be done safely throughout the year. This species is known for slow wound healing, which is why we prefer creating *jins* (deadwood branches) rather than creating wounds.

In the nursery, we use a blue NPK 12-12-17 fertilizer intended for tomatoes and flowers. Apply a handful to the substrate (small or large, depending on the pot size) every two months from May through October, alternating between chemical and organic fertilizers.