Cypresses are fast-growing and robust trees that usually retain a very slender shape. They are therefore well suited to growing as bonsai on the terrace or in the house all year round. What you need to consider when caring for a cypress tree as a bonsai.
How do you care for a cypress tree as a bonsai?
When caring for a cypress tree as a bonsai, regular watering, fertilizing, cutting and repotting are crucial. In addition, the tree should be kept frost-free in winter. Suitable species include Arizona cypress, Arizonica cypress, golden cypress and Monterey cypress.
Proper care of bonsai cypress trees
- Pouring
- fertilize
- cutting
- repotting
- overwintering
When keeping a cypress tree as a bonsai, proper care plays an important role. In addition to regular cutting, the trees need sufficient water and fertilizer.
Watering is always done when the substrate in the top of the pot has dried. The roots must never dry out completely.
During the growing period from April to September, you should provide the cypress with a special bonsai fertilizer (€4.00 on Amazon) according to the instructions.
Cutting cypress as a bonsai
Cypress trees can be cut into a variety of shapes. The cloud shape is particularly popular. To achieve the desired figure, make a template or put a wire mesh over the tree. You can cut along this when making the necessary cuts.
Basically, you can cut the cypress as a bonsai at any time. Heavy pruning should be on the agenda before and after the growth phase. Remove individually protruding branches or diseased twigs.
Very upright branches can be brought into the desired position using wire. Do not pull too hard to avoid breaking the branches.
Overwinter bonsai frost-free
The cypress is not hardy in a pot, especially when it is very young. You need to overwinter your bonsai indoors. Place the cypress in a cool winter garden or in an unheated window facing north or east.
From March onwards, slowly get your bonsai used to higher temperatures again. Now is also the right time to repot.
Cut back the roots when repotting. This will ensure that the bonsai cypress has a thicker trunk, but does not shoot up quite as quickly.
Tip
Cypress species are primarily chosen for care as bonsai, which do not grow that large in nature and are characterized by a slender shape. Well-suited species include Arizona cypress, Arizonica cypress, golden cypress and Monterey cypress.