The northern temperate regions contain various coniferous shrubs and trees, generally known as cypress. These cypress trees are not only beautiful and unique but are practical as building materials. Occasionally, people mistake some plant species like fustic for cypress.
However, this tree species has unique features that distinguish them from others. Cypress trees usually take the pyramid shape when young and can reach a height of up to 25 meters. Yet, some species often develop spreading and flattened heads as they grow, while others do not grow taller than 6 meters. Therefore, you can create Bonsai out of cypress trees, which look interesting and have sweet-smelling leaves. To achieve that, you’ll need a specific type of fake cypress, which we will discuss later.
There are a total of thirteen types of cypress. The most popular ones are the Nootka Cypress, Monterey Cypress, Bald Cypress, Arizona Cypress, and Chinese Weeping Cypress. There are also the MacNab Cypress, Gowen Cypress, Mendocino Cypress, Lawson Cypress, and Leyland Cypress. The last tree types are Hinoki Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, and Kashmir Cypress.
Appearance and Characteristics
Regardless of the class, cypress trees are long-lived and can even reach a millennium. Furthermore, the color and forms of cypress vary from narrow to spreading and weeping.
On a related note, these trees consume a lot of water to thrive. Hence, people often plant them in rainy regions to help control the water level. However, you can also plant these in drier zones and regularly water them. Another interesting fact is that cypress trees have no sap, so it doesn’t ooze when cut. The color of the bark ranges from light to dark honey tones.
- Cypress is a wide variety of coniferous shrubs and trees.
- These trees are usually 80 to 100 feet tall.
- There are thirteen types of cypress trees.
- According to researchers, cypress trees are usually long-lived.
- Since cypress trees need water to thrive, they help control water levels in rainy areas.
- Cypress trees don’t produce sap.
How to Care For Bonsai Tree Cypress
Chamaecyparis is also known as false cypress. This false cypress is what people use to make a Bonsai Cypress tree.
This genus grows in East Asia and the United States. Chamaecyparis has two leaf types: the young leaves that come in the first two years and the rougher-looking leaves that appear later. As a result, these trees are great for adding ornamental background decor. Furthermore, the Bonsai cypress tree gives off a rich and sweet fragrance.
To care for these species, you must know how to plant and grow them. Here are the most noteworthy aspects you should learn:
The first factor to consider is sunlight. So, you should plant your Chamaecyparis Bonsai in an open area. While other cypress types require colder climates to survive, this genus needs a warm climate for optimal growth. However, remember that strong winds can damage the young trees and cause them to wither.
This tree consumes a lot of water; therefore, it should not be left dry for an extended period. We recommend keeping only the soil wet as too much water can also hinder the tree’s natural growth.
Humidity and Temperature
The humidity and temperature of the area determine the longevity of the tree. Bonsai cypress trees can get stiff and rigid at a cold temperature of -10F. Thus, protecting your tree from harsh weather and strong winds is crucial. Also, if you choose to grow it indoors, ensure you provide it with enough exposure to sunlight. Such are the most optimal conditions for this type.
Another way to ensure that your Bonsai tree grows well is to clean the leaves at regular intervals. The same goes for the need to trim the excess growth and preserve the shape.
Fertilizer and Soil
To nourish the plant, it is essential to fertilize the soil once every two or three weeks. We recommend that you use acid-based fertilizer for this task. This is because the Chamaecyparis Bonsai tree needs specific conditions to thrive. For example, this tree grows best in semi-humid soil containing different soil types and minerals. Also, you should always check the soil’s moisture level and ensure it doesn’t dry.
We recommend that you repot your Chamaecyparis Bonsai tree every two to four months during the tree’s early years. Afterward, once the tree reaches over ten years, you should repot at much slower intervals, perhaps once every three years. However, keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil you’re about to re-plant the tree in. Also, it’s best to use a mixture of soil types, as this is perfect for both hot and dry regions.
Disease and Pest
Your Bonsai tree has a slim chance of getting diseases. However, you should follow the right step and conditions to ensure the proper growth of this tree. The same goes for properly trimming the excess growth and using anti-pest sprays whenever you notice a disease taking root.
Tools Needed for Bonsai Tree Cypress Pruning
Pruning helps to refine and maintain the shape of the Bonsai tree cypress. Since the tree’s growth is usually on the top and the stem’s outer part, it is important to prune these areas. Some of the tools needed for Bonsai tree cypress pruning are:
Shears and Pliers
Shears come in different sizes and shapes. There are narrow and long shears as well as wide ones. Hence, use the proper tool for cutting twigs, smaller branches, roots, and leaves. To do so, take proper measurements of the tree before selecting the right pruning shears.
Pruning Saws and Knives
You can use pruning saws to cut branches and roots too thick for a plier. You can use grafting knives to smoothen the cuts made by the pruning saw. Professional gardeners usually use these knives.
The chisel is another Bonsai tool that helps when pruning Bonsai tree cypress. The chisel is used to lift wood fibers during pruning.
How to Prune Bonsai Tree Cypress
To prune Bonsai tree cypress, you need to cut off the branches that have outgrown the intended shape. So, get used to the tools explained above, and don’t be afraid to do this regularly. This way, your tree will develop dense foliage and enjoy evenly distributed growth. We recommend holding the shoot’s tip between your thumb and index finger and carefully pulling away while pruning. This will prevent the cutting surface from developing brown and dead foliage, which comes with using scissors and cutters. However, don’t use the same technique for all types of Bonsai trees.
Another way to prune your Bonsai tree cypress is through defoliation. This entails removing the leaves of the tree during summer. This method forces the tree to grow new leaves, thus allowing you to control their sizes.
Here are the general steps to follow while pruning a Bonsai tree. First, you must place the plant on a table at eye level. Then, remove all the dead branches from the tree. After that, examine all sprouts and shoots to decide which branches to remove. In other words, you can shape the tree’s outline and form.
How to Wire a Cypress Bonsai
You can do the wiring for most Chamaecyparis Bonsai trees by yourself. However, the only part of the tree that you should constantly wire are the branches. If you do not wire them correctly, you can damage the tree’s bark. So, we advise you not to wire Chamaecyparis Bonsai trees in their early stages. Instead, do so after repotting the plant a few times.
How to Make Cuts to a Cypress Bonsai Tree
A cheap way to propagate new cypress trees is by cutting a grown plant and taking a piece for planting. That way, you’ll get a new tree faster than when growing them from seeds. The most appropriate time to cut and plant your cuttings is during summer and spring. Next, get a layer of coarse substrate, then add a layer of Bonsai soil. Afterward, bury the cuttings into the soil once you prepare the surface. Water thoroughly, and the cuttings will begin to grow in a few weeks.
Bonsai Tree Cypress Styles
Fortunately, the Chamaecyparis Bonsai tree can grow in various styles, enabling growers to experiment with the look of the plant. Additionally, you can grow the Chamaecyparis Bonsai tree in different trunk styles or plant it as a group. Other than planting as a group, you can use styles such as the upright, slanting, literati, and cascades.
Although caring for a fake cypress Bonsai tree demands time and effort, the result of a beautiful and well-groomed tree makes it worthwhile. In this article, we’ve highlighted all of the does and don’ts that come with taking care of this tree. Note that this is often delicate work, and experience is the best teacher for spotting what to deal with first. However, if you’re passionate about Bonsai, then using fake cypress is a classic choice for producing a pretty and sweet-smelling tree in a pot.