Pest identification
What's eating my japanese cedar 'elegans'?
Cryptomeria scale (Aspidiotus cryptomeriae)
Signs: Tiny circular scales encrusting needles and stems; yellowing and browning foliage; dieback of affected branches
Control: Apply horticultural oil in late winter before egg hatch; repeat in early summer; improve air circulation by thinning surrounding plants
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and bronzed or reddish foliage, particularly on inner branches; needles drop prematurely in severe cases
Control: Water plants thoroughly during dry spells; spray with miticide or neem oil; a strong water jet can reduce mite numbers
Bark beetles
Signs: Entry holes and resin flow on stressed trunks; branch dieback beginning at tips; frass visible in bark crevices
Control: Keep plants well irrigated; avoid mechanical damage to bark; remove and destroy infested wood to reduce beetle population
Keep japanese cedar 'elegans' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats japanese cedar bonsai — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common japanese cedar 'elegans' problems & fixes
- Japanese Cedar 'Elegans' watering schedule
- Japanese Cedar 'Elegans' light requirements
- Full japanese cedar 'elegans' care guide
Japanese Cedar 'Elegans' pests — FAQ
What is eating my japanese cedar 'elegans'?
Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' can be attacked by cryptomeria scale, spider mites in dry summers, and bark beetles on stressed trees. Deer may browse soft juvenile foliage on young specimens. Scale is the most consistent threat in UK and US gardens, especially on plants in sheltered spots with poor air circulation.
How do I get rid of cryptomeria scale (aspidiotus cryptomeriae) on japanese cedar 'elegans'?
Tiny circular scales encrusting needles and stems; yellowing and browning foliage; dieback of affected branches Apply horticultural oil in late winter before egg hatch; repeat in early summer; improve air circulation by thinning surrounding plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on japanese cedar 'elegans'?
Fine webbing and bronzed or reddish foliage, particularly on inner branches; needles drop prematurely in severe cases Water plants thoroughly during dry spells; spray with miticide or neem oil; a strong water jet can reduce mite numbers
How do I get rid of bark beetles on japanese cedar 'elegans'?
Entry holes and resin flow on stressed trunks; branch dieback beginning at tips; frass visible in bark crevices Keep plants well irrigated; avoid mechanical damage to bark; remove and destroy infested wood to reduce beetle population