The term “dwarf cypress” is used to refer to several plants in the Chamaecyparis genus. These plants are more generally known as false cypress trees and several dwarf varieties are available. Two popular dwarf cypress tree varieties are the dwarf Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) and the Japanese false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera). The dwarf Hinoki false cypress grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8 while the slightly more cold tolerant Japanese false cypress, also known as the Sawara cypress, is found in USDA zones 4 through 8. There are several dwarf cultivars of the popular Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) as well, including the “Ellwoodii” and ‘Wisselii” cultivars. The Lawson cypress prefers USDA zones 5 through 9. There are, of course, even more dwarf false cypress varieties available. Many of them require the same care with the exception of the amount of sunlight they need, which can vary by species.
Sunlight
Dwarf cypress trees typically thrive when planted in locations that receive plenty of direct sunlight. Without adequate light, the innermost branches of false cypress trees often die back. Unfortunately, these trees will not create new buds on old wood, so any brown or bare patches created by a lack of light may be impossible to fix. Cultivars with yellow foliage are especially sensitive to light and will produce green foliage rather than yellow if they are too shaded. There are, however, some varieties of dwarf cypress that need a bit of shade if planted in extremely hot and dry microclimates. Always talk with your local nursery before planting to make sure you fully understand the light needs of the specific cultivar you are purchasing.
Watering
Getting the balance right between a dwarf cypress tree’s thirst and need for dry feet can be tricky. Cypress trees enjoy moderate amounts of water but do not take kindly to standing in it. These plants require a good watering at least once a week during dry weather but need to be planted in well-drained soil or potting mixes. Dwarf cypress trees left in standing water are very susceptible to root rot, which is often fatal. Watering is best done in the morning to give the tree and soil adequate time to dry during the day. The need for regular watering is reduced after the plant has become established.
Pruning
With the exception of bonsai trees, pruning is not absolutely necessary to maintain the health of dwarf cypress trees. It may be desired, however, when it is important to keep a dwarf cypress tree contained within a certain space or desired shape. If you are going to prune it, do so in the fall. Remove dead limbs and trim the tree back into shape with a light pruning, being careful not to cut into old wood. Limbs that are cut back too far will not generate new growth and will create a bare spot on your tree. If you are pruning to remove unsightly brown, dead foliage, consider shooting a blast of water from a hose at that part of the plant instead. This is often enough to remove dead foliage without fear of cutting too much of the plant away. When using the dwarf cypress as a bonsai plant, continual hand pinching of new growth is used to shape and form the tree.
Fertilizing
In general, dwarf cypress trees do not require fertilization unless the soil is known to be nutrient poor. If so, apply a general purpose or acid-loving plant fertilizer each year before new spring growth begins. Plants being grown for bonsai have different fertilization needs and can be fertilized once every 5 or 6 weeks between spring and fall with an organic, time release fertilizer. Fertilizer that is 20 percent nitrogen should be applied to the bonsai at half of the dose recommended on the package.
Pests and Diseases
Dwarf cypress trees are generally free of pest and disease problems, although issues can occur. Root rot is common, as is leaf burn, but both of these problems are easily prevented. Prevent root rot by providing proper drainage and avoid leaf burn by sheltering the tree from wind. If scale insects become a problem, scrape them off with a knife or cover them with rubbing alcohol. Mites also sometimes visit dwarf cypress trees but can usually be removed and controlled by simply spraying the tree with a stream of water.
Sunlight
Dwarf cypress trees typically thrive when planted in locations that receive plenty of direct sunlight. Without adequate light, the innermost branches of false cypress trees often die back. Unfortunately, these trees will not create new buds on old wood, so any brown or bare patches created by a lack of light may be impossible to fix. Cultivars with yellow foliage are especially sensitive to light and will produce green foliage rather than yellow if they are too shaded. There are, however, some varieties of dwarf cypress that need a bit of shade if planted in extremely hot and dry microclimates. Always talk with your local nursery before planting to make sure you fully understand the light needs of the specific cultivar you are purchasing.
Watering
Getting the balance right between a dwarf cypress tree’s thirst and need for dry feet can be tricky. Cypress trees enjoy moderate amounts of water but do not take kindly to standing in it. These plants require a good watering at least once a week during dry weather but need to be planted in well-drained soil or potting mixes. Dwarf cypress trees left in standing water are very susceptible to root rot, which is often fatal. Watering is best done in the morning to give the tree and soil adequate time to dry during the day. The need for regular watering is reduced after the plant has become established.
Pruning
With the exception of bonsai trees, pruning is not absolutely necessary to maintain the health of dwarf cypress trees. It may be desired, however, when it is important to keep a dwarf cypress tree contained within a certain space or desired shape. If you are going to prune it, do so in the fall. Remove dead limbs and trim the tree back into shape with a light pruning, being careful not to cut into old wood. Limbs that are cut back too far will not generate new growth and will create a bare spot on your tree. If you are pruning to remove unsightly brown, dead foliage, consider shooting a blast of water from a hose at that part of the plant instead. This is often enough to remove dead foliage without fear of cutting too much of the plant away. When using the dwarf cypress as a bonsai plant, continual hand pinching of new growth is used to shape and form the tree.
Fertilizing
In general, dwarf cypress trees do not require fertilization unless the soil is known to be nutrient poor. If so, apply a general purpose or acid-loving plant fertilizer each year before new spring growth begins. Plants being grown for bonsai have different fertilization needs and can be fertilized once every 5 or 6 weeks between spring and fall with an organic, time release fertilizer. Fertilizer that is 20 percent nitrogen should be applied to the bonsai at half of the dose recommended on the package.
Pests and Diseases
Dwarf cypress trees are generally free of pest and disease problems, although issues can occur. Root rot is common, as is leaf burn, but both of these problems are easily prevented. Prevent root rot by providing proper drainage and avoid leaf burn by sheltering the tree from wind. If scale insects become a problem, scrape them off with a knife or cover them with rubbing alcohol. Mites also sometimes visit dwarf cypress trees but can usually be removed and controlled by simply spraying the tree with a stream of water.
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