Bald Cypress

Bald Cypress Care

Taxodium Distichum

What is the plant

Cypresses are a popular tree choice for gardeners all around the world for the light shade they provide in parks, streets, and gardens. They are also quite hardy and don’t require sophisticated care.

Cypresses are a family of trees native to North America. The two Cypress species native to the US are Pond Cypress and Bald Cypress. These species differ in their looks and habitat range. Bald Cypresses are hardier and more widely distributed. This article is about this species, which is more widespread and less fussy.

The Bald Cypress is a big deciduous conifer that sheds its leaves in autumn. It’s famous for its “knees”, pieces of root that grow above the ground in strange shapes. Knees are more common in trees that grow in water, and they can sometimes reach 6 ft (2m) tall. The Bald Cypress has jade needles with a feathery appearance arranged in two rows. In autumn, the needles turn yellow before covering the ground with a golden carpet.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

8°C - 30°C

Hardiness zone

5 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
This plant thrives in both wet and well-draining conditions and can even tolerate some drought. Irrigating throughout the dry season would help.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this tree.
Fertilizer
This plant does not need fertilizing except if it’s planted in dry conditions. In that case, apply all-purpose fertilizer in spring.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
This plant doesn’t like shade. Plant it in an area with full sun or partial shade.
Soil
Cypress prefers moist but well-draining soil. Acidic, moist, and sandy consistency is best. You can increase acidity by adding peat moss into the soil.
Propagation
The cypress tree can be propagated through seeds, but the most popular way is to propagate by cuttings. Cut the branch 4-8 inches (10-20cm) long from a stem tip. Choose stems or branches that are less than 1 year of age. Then, make a 1-2 inch (3-5cm) vertical cutting on any side of the base and cut up to 2 inches (5cm) of leaves on the bottom part of the branch. Fill your pot with the appropriate growing medium, and place the cutting inside. Cover it with a plastic bag, place it in a sunny area (60-70°F, 15-21°C), and keep the soil moist.

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Temperature
The plant can tolerate a wide range of conditions and can withstand cold up to –29°F (–33°C).
Container
Cypresses are usually grown outdoors, but it is possible to grow a small tree in a container. In case you opt for a container, choose one with several drainage holes.
Fun fact
The Bald Cypress is called “bald” precisely because it sheds its leaves in the fall.