Atlas Cedar
cedrus atlantica
Also known as: ["Atlas Cedar","Blue Cedar"]
Overview
A large, evergreen conifer native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, known for its bluish-green needles and pyramidal growth habit.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Genus: | Cedrus |
| Botanical Name: | Cedrus atlantica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining. Cedrus atlantica dislikes waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil. A mix of loam, sand, and organic matter (e.g., compost) is ideal.
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 or overgrown branches if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Cedrus atlantica tolerates partial shade but thrives in bright, direct light, especially in cooler climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually over 1–2 weeks to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn. Indoors, place near a south-facing window with unobstructed light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant monthly for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates cold down to -20°F (-29°C) but thrives in temperate climates with cold winters and mild summers.
Protect from extreme heat; water adequately in warm weather; ensure winter hardiness.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation. Stem cuttings are more reliable for cultivars, while seeds are suitable for species plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted. For seeds, stratify for 30–60 days.
- Sow in spring.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant or just beginning active growth.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light for cuttings. Seeds require consistent moisture and cool stratification for germination.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand. For seeds, use a standard seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for stem cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks under ideal conditions. Seed propagation can take 1–3 years to establish a mature plant.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal to maintain natural conical or pyramidal shape. Avoid topping or shearing, which can damage the tree's structure.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased branches, and encourage denser growth. Cedrus atlantica benefits from selective pruning to enhance form.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts; avoid removing leader unless damaged.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the active growth period begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant carefully, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Cedrus atlantica is slow-growing and may only need repotting every 3–5 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with a finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains freely to prevent waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure pH is within the preferred range.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of needles, stunted growth, bud drop, or premature needle drop.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes but do not harm the plant, as it is adapted to cold climates. Prolonged freezing without snow cover may cause desiccation.
Solution: Ensure proper winter protection (e.g., mulch, windbreaks) in exposed locations. Avoid overwatering during dormancy to prevent frozen root damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat (above 85°F or 29°C) can cause needle scorch, reduced growth, and increased water stress, especially in dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture. Ensure good air circulation to reduce heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after application; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a 10-10-10 NPK formula at half the recommended rate, avoiding nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. No fertilization needed in fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe Atlas cedar is considered slightly toxic to cats. Ingestion of needles or sap may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of natural oils and resins. The toxicity is generally not severe, but caution should be exercised to prevent ingestion by pets.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe Atlas cedar is considered slightly toxic to dogs. Ingestion of needles or sap may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of natural oils and resins. The toxicity is generally not severe, but caution should be exercised to prevent ingestion by pets.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicCedrus atlantica, commonly known as the Atlas cedar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of needles or sap may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of natural oils and resins. The plant is not known to produce any significant toxic compounds that would pose a serious health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast does the Atlas Cedar grow?
A: It grows at a moderate rate, typically 12-24 inches per year.
Q: Is the Atlas Cedar suitable for small gardens?
A: No, it is a large tree and requires ample space to grow.
Q: Does the Atlas Cedar require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pinaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
