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3.1 out of 5 (8 experiences)


About Pencil Cedar
Eastern Redcedar is an evergreen tree that may grow 30 to 40 feet tall. It has scale-like, closely oppressed, glandular leaves and small, light blue-green clusters of flowers. The heartwood is light brown and aromatic, contrasted by the white sapwood and is commonly used for cedar chests. The wood is also used to make fence posts and rails.
Taxonomy
Juniperus virginiana
Juniperus
Cupressaceae
Pinales
Also known as
American Juniper, American Juniper, Coast juniper, Eastern juniper, Southern redcedar, Eastern red-cedar, Red cedar, Eastern redcedar, Virginian juniper, Red juniper, Pencil cedar, Aromatic cedar and Eastern Red Cedar

How to care for Pencil Cedar

How often to water your Pencil Cedar

every 9
Pencil Cedar needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for American Juniper in your home

a window
Pencil Cedar love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Pencil Cedar does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Pencil Cedar in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Pencil Cedar

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Pencil Cedar after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Pencil Cedar is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Pencil Cedar prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Pencil Cedar requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Pencil Cedar is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Pencil Cedar doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Pencil Cedar does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Pencil Cedar grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Native Region
Pencil Cedar is native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Growth Pattern
Pencil Cedar grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Pencil Cedar can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 2a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Pencil Cedar can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Pencil Cedar
Pencil Cedar
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say



