I have a cryptomeria with about a 2” diameter base, that for a couple of years at least has exhibited a soft, spongy bark at the base of the trunk and nebari. I thought it was waterlogged and would die initially, but it has been this way for at least 2 years that I have noticed, and the tree itself appears strong . . . any ideas? Or has anyone seen this? Could it be a normal feature of some Cryptomeria?
Pictures would go a long way here if you can get and upload them.
Bases of trees can exhibit what you’re describing and be harmless in the short term. Left like that long term could result in at least faster bark decay and if it’s a symptom of overwatering potentially root rot. It also invites canker/phytophthora if it’s kept like that constantly.
My dawn redwoods exhibit spongy bark at the base after a good watering/downpour. Usually gone by the next day around mid day though unless rain is constant or I overwater.
Couple things to consider;
- Is the soil line too high up the nebari? Often people are burying the trees too deep in the soil and thus the bark stays far more wet than it would otherwise.
- Could you be over watering at all? Most common cause often amplified if you’re in a high humidity part of the world like I am IME.
- Are you using a medium that’s staying wet longer than ideal likely a factor of your environment? You’ll see Ryan mention things like a 2:1:1 mix of Akadama:Pumice:lava for things like coast redwood. Where I live on the east coast I only need 1:1:1 for the same species to thrive and be happy. I also have a significantly more humid growing season than Ryan does so it makes sense I can’t get the same results at the same ratios. I’ve adapted my mixes accordingly and it has helped.
Again pictures tell the best story for questions like these upload if you can and someone will likely come along and help in a more precise way than I’ve attempted too here
Happy growing!
I have photos but I’’m not sure how to upload them here, or how to edit the post to add images ….
Hit the bottom right icon of a photo under the text box you are typing into @mff321
I have photos but I’’m not sure how to upload them here, or how to edit the post to add images ….
Here are photos
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I don’t know if it would be correct but there is a video on here about preserving dead wood or something and Troy mixes up an expensive 2 part epoxy to seal the dead wood. It may be worth looking into. Also Corin at Greenwood Bonsai in England has a rot repair with a different but similar product. If I find the links I will share them
Peace
The thing is - there is no deadwood evident. The bark appears normal, just spongy, and has remained this way for years. So applying clear penetrating epoxy would probably kill the tree. I was hoping that someone would chime in to say that they have seen the same thing in their Cryptomeria and not to worry about it 
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