Mock cypresses are well suited for growing as bonsai because they are very easy to cut. Another advantage is that almost all bonsai shapes can be designed. When caring for the false cypress as a bonsai, you can follow the juniper, which requires very similar care.
How do I care for a false cypress bonsai?
Caring for a false cypress as a bonsai includes regular cutting of side shoots, shoot tips and roots, occasional repotting and root pruning, wiring for shaping, watering without drying out and fertilizing during the growth phase. Winter protection is recommended.
How to prune bonsai cypress trees
Pruning the false cypress as a bonsai is done regularly, as with all cultivations. To be removed:
- Side shoots
- shoot tips
- Roots
If the false cypress has several trunk-like shoots, you should remove all but the strongest. This allows the bonsai cypress to be grown into the shape of a tree.
When cutting topiary, shorten the longer side shoots with scissors (€9.00 on Amazon). Do not cut into old wood as this will cause lasting damage to the plant.
Pluck off short shoot tips with your fingers. Attention: The false cypress is poisonous. Therefore, only care for them with gloves.
Cut roots after repotting
The bonsai cypress is usually grown in a bowl. Every four to five years the tree must be moved to a larger planter.
The best time is spring or September.
When repotting, also trim the roots so that the growth of the false cypress is slowed down.
Wiring is possible at any time
You can wrap false cypresses into the desired shape at any time using aluminum wire.
Wrap the wire evenly from bottom to top. The wire needs to be tight enough to bend the branches in the right direction. You must not make the wiring too tight.
You should definitely remove the wire in May, as this is when the main growth of the trunk and branches begins.
Proper care for the bonsai cypress
The root ball must never dry out completely. The plant also benefits if you mist it with water when it is dry.
However, do not use hard tap water because this will cause unsightly spots to appear on the leaves.
The bonsai cypress needs regular fertilizer during the growing season. After repotting and during flowering, fertilizing is not necessary.
Tip
Mock cypresses can be cultivated outdoors all year round as bonsai. If the conifers are grown in bowls, they need winter protection. It is best to place the bowl in a bed of peat.
