Characteristics
Evergreen tree or bush whose leaves take the shape of scales which are similar to the ones of the Cyprus (which is a relative). It grows slowly and belongs to the order of the conifers. There exist a great number of varieties.
Location
Exterior, exposed to the sun the whole year.
Watering
Abundant in summer and in moderation in winter. This tree doesn’t like pools and appreciates it if you pulverize the leaves with water (not hard water).
Fertilization
In spring and autumn.
Re-potting
Every 3 or 5 years, at the beginning of spring.
Substrate
100% Akadama, or a mixture with 30% of volcanic earth.
Pruning and pinching
Pruning
From October to March.
Pinching
Throughout growing seasons, pinch tips of new shoots with fingers for compact shape, but not too hard at any one time as this encourages juvenile, needle-like growth.
Wiring
The whole year with preference from October to March
Curiosities
Of all the varieties of this species the Itoigawa is the most popular because of its small leaves of yellow-green brilliant colour and the hardness of its wood, which is very appropriate for the realization of jin-shari.