How to Grow Deodar - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Deodar is an evergreen conifer native to the himalayas. it has a wide, spreading crown and drooping branches. the leaves are oblong, blue-green in color, and have a silvery sheen. the cones are small and brown, and the seeds are edible.

How to Grow Deodar - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Bonsai cedar
  • Japanese red cedar
  • Hinoki cypress
  • Yellow cedar
  • Chinese cedar

Basic info

  • Deodar is a large, evergreen coniferous tree native to the Himalayas.
  • Deodar can grow to a height of over 40 meters (130 feet).
  • The leaves of the deodar are needles, which are arranged in spirals.
  • The cones of the deodar are large, woody, and cones hang down from the branches.
  • The wood of the deodar is hard and durable, and is often used in construction.
  • Deodar trees are an important source of timber in the Himalayan region.
  • Deodar trees are also commonly used as ornamental plants.
  • Deodar trees are thought to have medicinal properties, and the bark is sometimes used in traditional medicine.
  • Deodar trees are home to many species of birds and animals.
  • Deodar trees are an important part of the ecosystem in the Himalayan region.

Related plant:
Cedrus Deodara

How to Grow

  1. For deodar, first step is to find a place where it can get partial sun and some shade.
  2. Then, you need to clear the area where you want to plant deodar.
  3. Next, you need to loosen the soil in the planting area.
  4. After that, you can put the deodar seed in the planting area.
  5. Then, you need to cover the seed with some soil.
  6. After that, you need to water the soil.
  7. Next, you need to wait for the seed to germinate.
  8. After that, you need to thin out the seedlings.
  9. Next, you need to fertilize the soil.
  10. Finally, you need to water the deodar regularly.

Related plant:
Deodar Cedar

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the deodar forest floor is covered with a thick layer of fallen needles, leaves, and other organic matter. This makes the soil very acidic, with a pH of around 4.5. The organic matter also helps to retain moisture, making the soil ideal for tree growth.

About light

So, like the other cedar trees, the deodar cedar requires full sun to grow properly. However, it can also tolerate partial sun and still do relatively well. This makes the deodar cedar a good choice for gardeners who live in areas with less than ideal growing conditions. The deodar cedar is also tolerant of most soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained.

The Temperature

The temperature in Deodar is usually cool and comfortable, although it can get hot during the summer months. The average high in July is about 86 degrees, while the average low in January is around 27 degrees. There is usually a fair amount of rainfall each year, totaling about 26 inches.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% to 60%. Deodar can tolerate a wide range of humidity, from arid to humid, but it prefers moderate humidity. If the air is too dry, the needles will turn brown and drop off. If the air is too humid, the needles will turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with organic matter incorporated into the soil before planting. A 3-inch layer of compost or aged manure worked into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil is ideal. This will help to improve drainage and aeration while also providing nutrients for growth. Deodar cedars also benefit from a root stimulator applied at the time of planting.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a critical part of keeping your Deodar Cedar looking its best. This slow-growing evergreen can eventually reach up to 40 feet tall, but with regular pruning, it can be kept much smaller. Pruning also encourages new growth, which keeps the plant looking full and healthy. The best time to prune your Deodar Cedar is in late winter or early spring.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources including seeds, cuttings, and divisions. Deodar cedar is a popular landscape tree that is often propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are pieces of stem that are cut from the parent plant and then rooted in soil. Deodar cedar cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. After taking the cuttings, place them in a well-draining potting mix and water them well. Keep the cuttings moist but not wet and in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted into the landscape.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been done on container-grown trees. In general, container-grown trees experience a growth flush in spring and summer, followed by a slower growth period in fall and winter. However, the specific timing and duration of the growth flush can vary depending on the species and cultivar of deodar, as well as the growing conditions. For example, one study found that 'Araucaria heterophylla' ( Norfolk Island pine) had a growth flush in spring, while 'Cunninghamia lanceolata' (Chinese red pine) had a growth flush in summer.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are that they are susceptible to diseases such as canker and root rot. Also, they are often attacked by pests such as aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant deodar in an area that gets full sun.
  • Deodar needs well-drained soil.
  • Add organic matter to the soil before planting.
  • Water the plant regularly.
  • Fertilize deodar once a month during the growing season.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Protect the plant from cold weather.
  • Insects and diseases are not a big problem for deodar.
  • Propagate deodar by seed or cuttings.
  • Enjoy the beautiful, fragrant foliage of deodar!

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Source:
Deodar Cedar | UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Deodar Cedar | Oklahoma State University
Deodar Cedar - uaex.uada.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category