Cypress Plant Care

Cypresses vary in how much water they need.

Cypresses vary in how much water they need.

Cypresses (Cupressus spp.) are conifers usually used as hedges and specimen trees. Some plants commonly called cypress, such as false cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.), look like cypress but are not actually from the same genus. Different types of cypress live in different climates. For example, baldcypress and pondcypress (Taxodium distichum) grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 10, while Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) grows in USDA zones 6 to 10a. Different types of cypress also have different care requirements.

Planting and Initial Care

To provide nutrients for newly planted cypress trees, the National Gardening Association recommends adding some compost, bone meal and peat moss to the planting soil. Mulching around the base of a cypress will help protect the young roots from temperature changes. Cypresses prefer full or at least partial sun, so look for planting areas that do not have too many shade-producing buildings or large trees nearby.

Watering Cypresses

Different types of cypress require different amounts of water. False cypress varieties generally require more water than true cypress from the Cupressus genus. Leyland cypress prefers well-drained soils and watering about twice per month during dry weather. Pondcypress naturally grows in wet areas, especially in still areas of ponds. Baldcypress tends to grow in or next to flowing water. It also grows well in urban areas with wet soils. Pondcypress and baldcypress, which are not true cypress, require substantial amounts of water in dry weather. Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and mourning cypress (Cupressus funebris) grow well in Mediterranean climates with moderate amounts of moisture. They grow in USDA zones 7b through 11. Sargent cypress (Cupressus sargentii) grows natively in rocky areas in USDA zones 8 and above. Because its adapted to a rocky habitat, it tolerates dry spells as well as heavy rains.

Caring for Potted Cypress

Cypress trees can grow in pots as long as you place them in a sunny location with good air circulation. Potted cypresses also do best with consistent soil moisture. Check the soil moisture regularly and keep it moist but not heavily saturated. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Mulch can help the plant retain moisture. The National Gardening Association recommends misting cypresses once per month with a seaweed fertilizer.

Outdoor Cypress Care

Young outdoor cypress trees will need supplemental watering during dry weather. It is best to stop watering them if the ground freezes. Weeding near cypress trees helps their overall health because they don't have to compete for water and nutrients. Leyland cypress tolerates heavy trimming, so you can shape it into a hedge or windscreen. In very windy areas, such as areas near the coast, you can prevent wind damage by wrapping the trees in burlap when a storm is on the way.

Pests and Diseases

Cypresses occasionally suffer from fungal diseases and insect infestations. Pruning only during dry weather helps prevent cypress diseases, such as fungal infections that cause canker. To prevent root rot diseases, avoid over-watering and plant true cypresses only in well-drained soils. Cypresses sometimes become infested with minute cypress scales, aphids, caterpillars or other insects. Insecticidal oil sprays can get rid of many small pests, such as scales, aphids and mites. You can often remove larger insects, such as caterpillars, by picking them off by hand, spraying them off with water or using insecticides.

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