Dawn Redwood
metasequoia glyptostroboides
Also known as: ["Water Lily Tree","Glyptostroboides Metasequoia"]
Overview
A deciduous conifer known for its feathery, fern-like foliage and conical shape, often reaching great heights.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Metasequoia |
| Botanical Name: | Metasequoia glyptostroboides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor planting in a location with adequate space for growth
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; a mix of loam, peat, and sand works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in cooler climates, reduce to morning sun only in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light cycles.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Use a mix that doesn’t retain excess water; test pH periodically; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 5–8; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -30°F (-34°C) in dormant state.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in heat; monitor soil moisture closely in temperature extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) are ideal.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage bushiness, and removal of crossing/rubbing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage denser growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring the root zone is saturated, allow excess water to drain, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, browning or dropping needles in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; growth slows or halts; can lead to dieback if temperatures drop rapidly without acclimation.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; wrap trunk with burlap in extreme cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Needles may yellow or brown; wilting despite adequate water; reduced growth due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use correct dilution, avoid winter feeding, monitor for salt buildup.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicMetasequoia glyptostroboides is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of any part of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicMetasequoia glyptostroboides is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or toxic compounds in this plant that would cause harm to canines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicMetasequoia glyptostroboides, commonly known as the dawn redwood, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of any part of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Dawn Redwood a true redwood?
A: Yes, it is a deciduous conifer in the redwood family, though it is distinct from the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum).
Q: How tall does the Dawn Redwood grow?
A: It can reach heights of 70–100 feet or more, with a spread of 20–30 feet.
Q: Does the Dawn Redwood lose its leaves?
A: Yes, it is deciduous and loses its needles in autumn, turning a beautiful coppery-brown before dropping.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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