- How often do cypresses need to be watered?
- When should you fertilize cypress trees?
- When and how are false cypresses pruned?
- What diseases and pests can occur?
- Do false cypresses have to be protected from frost?
False cypresses are very popular as decorative individual plants, in tubs or as bonsai. But they also cut a fine figure as a hedge. The ornamental trees do not need much care. How to properly care for the false cypress.
The cypress in the pot must never dry out
How often do cypresses need to be watered?
The bale of the cypress should never dry out completely. However, waterlogging is just as harmful. Older plants only need to be watered when it is very dry.
Water freshly planted cypresses and cypresses in pots regularly - even in winter. The plants evaporate moisture through the needles even in the cold season.
When should you fertilize cypress trees?
False cypresses need a lot of nutrients. For older plants it is sufficient if you spread a layer of mulch, which you renew in spring and autumn.
You should fertilize young and potted false cypresses regularly every four to eight weeks with:
- mature compost
- horn shavings
- blue grain
- special cypress fertilizer
When and how are false cypresses pruned?
As a solitary plant, only cut false cypresses if you don't want them to be too high and sprawling. The cone shape has proven to be particularly favorable here.
False cypress hedges must be trimmed at least once, often twice a year. Otherwise the plants will lignify below because the shoots there no longer get enough light.
Only remove the shoot tips and do not cut into the old wood, unless the cypress trees have grown too tall. Then you can just cap them at the top.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Fungal diseases occur mainly in false cypresses that are too dense and too moist. Affected shoots are generously removed.
Miner moths, pin beetles and bark beetles can become a nuisance. Cut off all affected shoot tips. The use of insecticides helps with moth infestation. There are currently no effective methods of combating fungal diseases and beetle infestations.
Do false cypresses have to be protected from frost?
Older cypresses are hardy and can withstand quite low temperatures. To be on the safe side, you should protect freshly planted ornamental trees from the cold with a layer of mulch and fleece.
Potted cypresses generally need winter protection. Wrap the plant in fleece and place the planter on a styrofoam plate. (€45.00)
tips
When caring for the poisonous cypress trees, you should protect your hands and face with gloves and goggles. Even skin contact can cause inflammation.