{"product_id":"metasequoia-dawn-redwood-bonsai","title":"Metasequoia - Dawn Redwood Bonsai","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Dawn Redwood tree is a deciduous native of China; until living specimens were found there in 1941, it was thought extinct and only known from fossil records. It is suitable as a beginner bonsai, though, so don't be put off by its long backstory. By growing this plant, you'll be growing a little piece of prehistory! In nature, it grows very upright and tall, and as a bonsai it is usually kept in the same upright growth shape. Relatively large for bonsai trees, you will have to keep an eye on the strong growth of this species. This hardy species is best grown outdoors, but be careful of harsh outdoor frosts which can damage roots in shallow pots. If you need to grow it indoors, make sure it has a sunny spot and gets some decrease in temperature over winter - an unheated conservatory would be a perfect spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eMetasequoia glyptostroboides\u003c\/em\u003e (like Sequoia's tree with carved cones)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eMetasequoia neopangaea, Metasequoia honshuenensis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis plant had been identified from fossilised remains and was thought to be extinct until live specimens were identified in China in 1941.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eDawn Redwood Bonsai, Dawn Redwood, Water Fir, Water Larch, Metasequoia, Living Fossil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant is native to Southeast and South-Central China\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYour Dawn Redwood will grow best in a sunny spot, but should be shaded from the harshest summer sun to prevent its leaves being scorched.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the soil moist, especially in summer while the tree is actively growing. You'll need to reduce this over winter, and make sure that the soil is never soggy, as trees in puddles can get rotten roots. In summer, it can be easy to underwater this thirsty plant; don't worry too much if the leaves become crispy, though, as it should grow new branches quickly enough to replace them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis tree will benefit from above-average humidity to help keep its soil moist and its leaves happy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a well-draining but moisture retentive soil - Ficus soil is usually good for bonsais - to ensure your bonsai gets the right amount of water. Repot every two years. The roots will grow quickly and start to push the plant out of the pot; you will need to prune the roots each time to keep it bonsai-sized.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFeeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFertilise in spring and summer; you can use a high-nitrogen fertiliser in spring, but feed mor cautiously in summer so you don't get too much growth. No feeding is necessary in autumn and winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePruning\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePinch back new growth in spring and summer to maintain shape and encourage ramification. Structural pruning should be done in \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003elate winter or early spring\u003c\/span\u003e before buds break. Avoid heavy pruning once in active growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWiring\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eCan be wired during dormancy (late winter) while branches are flexible. Check regularly to avoid wire cutting into the bark – Metasequoia grow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis bonsai species is hardy, and is best grown outdoors; it can stand temperatures down to -15°C, but it should be protected from frost which can damage it. Protection in a greenhouse or unheated conservatory should work well over winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, your bonsai is non-toxic to pets, though eating large amounts will not be great for pets' tummies or your plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrune the shoot tips 2-3 times a year to keep the branches compact.\u003cbr\u003eYour Dawn Redwood will benefit from seasonal weather and temperature changes so you can either grow it outdoors in a sheltered spot, or indoors where it gets plenty of sun in summer and some cold in winter.\u003cbr\u003eDropping of leaves in autumn is completely normal; this conifer is deciduous and will hibernate with no leaves over winter before sprouting fresh in spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species has been introduced into the wild here in the UK\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"18cm","offer_id":55785152250237,"sku":"1398781184471","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/metasequoia-dawn-redwood-bonsai-602897.jpg?v=1744878638","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/metasequoia-dawn-redwood-bonsai","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}