Unlike other types of cypress, the mussel cypress is one of the varieties that do not grow very tall. So you don't have to cut mussel cypresses in the garden or tub if you have enough space. If you still want to shorten the plant or care for it as a bonsai, you should pay attention to a few things.

In principle, the mussel cypress does not need pruning

Do mussel cypresses even have to be pruned?

Basically, you don't have to cut a mussel cypress at all. The trees grow compact and dense and do not need any pruning.

Cut mussel cypresses - less is often more!

  • Cut in spring or fall
  • do not cut in rain or strong sunshine
  • do not cut into old wood
  • only use clean cutting tools

The biggest mistake you can make is cutting too much at once. Since the mussel cypress does not grow as quickly and does not get as high, it is weakened too much by a strong pruning.

It is better to use scissors more often and only cut off a little.

Shell cypress grafted or grown?

Shell cypresses are very commonly sold as grafted plants. If you cut too much here, it can be very detrimental to the plant. Shell cypresses that have been grown or propagated without grafting cause fewer problems.

You can tell that a mussel cypress has been grafted by the thickening that can be seen quite far down on the trunk. Sometimes the bark also looks different at the top than at the bottom.

If neither a thickening nor a change in the bark can be seen, it is a question of a drawn sapling.

Carefully cut grafted mussel cypresses

If you cut the mussel cypress below the grafting point, the wild form used as a rootstock will reappear. It is therefore advisable to limit the pruning of these plants to what is absolutely necessary.

Use clean tools

Like all cypresses, mussel cypresses occasionally suffer from fungal diseases. Thoroughly clean all cutters before cutting and clean them after use. This is how you can prevent diseases from spreading.

Shell cypresses are poisonous. Therefore always wear gloves when cutting.

tips

A clam cypress that you want to grow as a bonsai will need pruning every six to eight weeks. All shoots and the roots when repotting are cut.

Category:

Trees