Best Cedar for Bonsai: Ultimate Guide to Stunning Miniature Trees

Best Cedar for Bonsai
Choosing the best cedar for bonsai is important. Cedars grow strong and look nice in small pots. They need care but give good results. Which cedar works best? Let’s find out.

Biography

Best Cedar for Bonsai – Key Information
Cedar Species Origin / Climate Bonsai Characteristics Care Tips Additional Notes / References
Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) Native to Atlas Mountains, North Africa; adapts well to temperate climates
  • Short needles naturally
  • Fast growth under good conditions
  • Responds well to bonsai shaping
  • Popular for cascade styles (varieties like ‘Glauca’ and ‘Aurea’)
  • Needs full sun exposure
  • Protect from freezing and cold winds in winter
  • Root-sensitive: repot during specific windows
Bonsaify Blue Atlas Cedar Saga
Bonsai Empire Care Guide
Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani) Native to Lebanon; Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and hot dry summers
  • Iconic cedar, symbolically important
  • Suitable for bonsai with refinement and design
  • Strong, attractive foliage and bark
  • Full sun position preferred
  • Protect from extreme cold
  • Requires well-draining soil
Maximizing Bonsai Design with Lebanese Cedar Tree (YouTube)
Cedar Species Guide – Bonsai-En
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) Native to Himalayas; thrives in climates with cool to cold winters and warm to hot summers
  • Soft, drooping needles
  • Less commonly used but suitable for bonsai
  • More delicate bonsai styling
  • Full sun required
  • Protect from harsh winter winds
  • Prefer cooler climates
Cedar Species Guide – Bonsai-En
Evergreen Gardenworks – Cedars for Bonsai
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) Native to Pacific Northwest, USA; prefers mild coastal climates
  • Good for bonsai with fine foliage
  • Distinct reddish bark
  • Popular among bonsai enthusiasts
  • Partial to full sun
  • Maintain humidity and moisture
  • Protect from extreme cold
Western Red Cedar Bonsai Guide – Bonsai Mirai
Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) Native to northeastern North America; tolerates cold climates
  • Fine textured foliage
  • Used by bonsai artists like Brian Donnely and Michael Pollock
  • Good bonsai candidate
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade
  • Regular watering, avoid waterlogging
  • Can tolerate cold winters
Bonsai Mirai – Bonsai Examples
Reddit r/Bonsai Discussions

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Early Life

The best cedar for bonsai usually starts its life in places with good sunlight and fresh air. Many types, like the Blue Atlas Cedar or the Lebanese Cedar, grow naturally in mountain areas where the air is cool and clean. These cedars are born and raised outdoors, where they get strong from the wind and sun. Sometimes, people move young cedar trees from wild areas to gardens or bonsai nurseries to start training them into small trees. This early life, growing in natural spots, helps the cedar become healthy and ready to become a bonsai. It needs time to grow a thick trunk and short needles, which make it look nice as a small tree later on.

Early Life

Family

Category Name Information
Parent Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) This cedar grows mainly in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. It has short blue-green needles. It is popular for bonsai because it forms nice, dense foliage pads when trained well.
Parent Cedrus libani (Lebanese Cedar) The Lebanese Cedar is famous for its strong wood and history. It is a symbol of strength and lasts a long time. People used its wood for temples and ships long ago.
Sibling Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’ This is a variety of the Atlas Cedar. It has bright blue needles and is often used in bonsai for its attractive color and shape.
Sibling Cedrus atlantica ‘Aurea’ (Golden Blue Atlas Cedar) This is a golden-yellow form of the Atlas Cedar. It is used in bonsai to add color contrast and beauty with its unique needle color.
Sibling Cedrus deodara (Deodar Cedar) The Deodar Cedar is from the Himalayas. It has softer, longer needles. It is also used for bonsai but needs more care because it grows quickly.

Cedar bonsai trees come from a small family of cedar species. The parents, Atlas Cedar and Lebanese Cedar, are well known for their strong wood and beautiful needles. Their siblings, like Blue Atlas Cedar and Golden Blue Atlas Cedar, offer different colors and shapes for bonsai lovers. Another sibling, the Deodar Cedar, grows faster but can be shaped nicely. Each type has its own special look and care needs. This variety helps bonsai artists create different styles and designs.

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Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

 

Cedar Species Commonly Used for Bonsai
Cedar Species Typical Height as Bonsai Approximate Weight (potted) Needle Length Growth Characteristics Care Notes
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) 6 inches to 3 feet 1 – 5 kg (varies with pot size) 5-10 mm (scale-like) Fast growth, dense foliage Requires full sun, protect from freezing winds, good drainage
Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’) 6 inches to 2 feet 1 – 4 kg (depending on pot) Short needles, 2-3 cm Moderate growth, responds well to pruning Needs full sun, well-drained soil, repot in early spring
Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus libani) 6 inches to 3 feet 1 – 5 kg 2-3 cm needles Slow to moderate growth, strong structure Full sun, protect from cold winds, avoid waterlogging
Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) 6 inches to 3 feet 1 – 4 kg Needles 1-2 cm, soft and feathery Moderate growth, elegant foliage Prefers partial shade, moist well-drained soil
White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) 6 inches to 2 feet 1 – 3 kg Scale-like needles 2-4 mm Slow growth, compact habit Full sun to partial shade, winter protection advised

Notes:
Height ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet depending on bonsai style and pruning. Weight varies by pot size and soil moisture. Cedar bonsai require full sun for healthy growth and protection from freezing temperatures and cold winds in winter. Good drainage is essential. The golden ratio and bonsai proportions help achieve aesthetically pleasing shapes.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

The term “Best Cedar for Bonsai” does not refer to a person, so it does not have a wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend. It is about types of cedar trees used for bonsai art.

Since “Best Cedar for Bonsai” is not a person, there is no current relationship status or past relationships to share.

If you want to know about cedar trees for bonsai, we can talk about different types of cedar trees like Western Red Cedar, Blue Atlas Cedar, Eastern White Cedar, or Japanese Cedar and how to care for them. But they do not have partners or relationship histories.

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Career, Achievements And Controversies

The “Best Cedar for Bonsai” is not a person but a topic about the best types of cedar trees used in bonsai art. People became interested in it because cedar bonsai trees have strong trunks and beautiful leaves. Many bonsai lovers and gardeners share their knowledge about which cedar works best for bonsai.

The topic started to grow popular as bonsai art became more loved around the world. Experts and hobbyists shared guides on how to grow cedar bonsai trees. Some popular types of cedar used are the Blue Atlas Cedar, Western Red Cedar, and Lebanese Cedar. These types are known for their good growth and easy care.

Many bonsai websites and channels, like Bonsai Empire and Bonsai Mirai, have detailed care guides. They explain how to prune, water, and protect cedar bonsai trees. This helped many new bonsai growers to start their own cedar bonsai collection.

Since “Best Cedar for Bonsai” is a topic, it does not receive awards like people do. However, many bonsai trees made from cedar have won prizes in bonsai shows. These trees are admired for their beauty and shape. Experts often recommend cedar bonsai as a good choice for both beginners and experienced growers.

There are a few debates about the best cedar type for bonsai. Some say the Blue Atlas Cedar is best because it grows fast and has short needles. Others prefer the Lebanese Cedar for its strong wood and classic look. Also, some experts disagree on the best way to care for cedar bonsai, like how much sun or water they need.

Another controversy is about how to keep cedar bonsai safe in winter. Some say these trees need strong protection from cold and wind. Others believe they can handle more cold if cared for well. These differences cause small arguments among bonsai lovers, but they help people learn more about cedar bonsai care.

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FAQ

1. What Type Of Cedar Is Good For Bonsai?

Many people use Deodar cedar or Japanese cedar for bonsai. These types have small leaves and strong branches. They look nice and are easier to shape.

2. Can I Use Any Cedar Tree For Bonsai?

Not all cedar trees work well. Some have big leaves or grow too fast. It is better to choose types with small leaves and slow growth.

3. How Do I Take Care Of Cedar Bonsai?

Cedar bonsai needs sunlight but not too hot. Water it when the soil feels dry. Trim branches to keep its shape. Use bonsai soil for best growth.

4. Is Cedar Bonsai Easy For Beginners?

Cedar bonsai can be good for beginners. It is strong and grows slowly. But you still need to watch water and trimming carefully.

5. How Long Does It Take To Grow A Cedar Bonsai?

It can take a few years to shape a cedar bonsai. Growing bonsai is slow work. Patience is key.

Md Meraj

This is Meraj. I’m the main publisher of this blog. Wood Working Advisor is a blog where I share wood working tips and tricks, reviews, and guides. Stay tuned to get more helpful articles!

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