Montezuma Cypress

Montezuma Cypress Care

Taxodium mucronatum

What is the plant

Taxodium mucronatum is a large evergreen conifer native to Mexico, Guatemala, and the southwestern United States. The tree belongs to the genus Cupressaceae, distributed near the banks of rivers, springs, and swamps, and in Mexico, it can be found high in the mountains. The Montezuma cypress is the national tree of Mexico and is considered sacred by indigenous Mexican peoples.

Taxodium mucronatum can grow up to 130 ft (40 m) tall, and its trunk up to 9.8 ft (3 m) wide. The tree can be easily identified by the spiral leaves that twist closer to the base forming a horizontal row. The branches are wide, hanging from the trunk; it is expanded at the base with small protrusions on top.

Cones are egg-shaped, up to 0.98 in (2.5 cm) long, and up to 0.79 in (2 cm) wide.

Interestingly, the tree has the world's thickest specimen, located in Mexico, with a diameter of 37.5 ft (11.42 m).

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

20°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

8b - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The tree needs a lot of water, so in the hot season, water it every day, and with the onset of cold weather, watering can be reduced. Before watering, make sure that the soil seems dry.
Pruning
Taxodium mucronatum does not need pruning, but if two main stems grow on a young tree, one should be cut to maintain a good shape. Also, cut off diseased and dead branches.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month for the first year, then reduce the frequency to once a year.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
An open place and a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day are best.
Soil
The right soil should allow water to pass through to prevent root rot and be slightly acidic with a pH level of 5 to 7.
Propagation
In summer or fall, cut a few branches to 5.9 inches (15 cm), soak them in rooting hormone, then place them in sterilized sand covered with plastic wrap.

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Temperature
Although the tree can tolerate a sudden change in temperature, it does best at 68-86˚F (20-30°C).
Container
This species is a large tree, so it is recommended to plant it outside.
Fun fact
The ancient Aztecs used the resin of Taxodium mucronatum to treat toothaches, skin diseases, and wounds, and a decoction of the bark helped with kidney disease.