Shell cypresses are very well suited to be cared for as bonsai. This type of cypress is not as fast-growing and also stays smaller overall at two meters. What you need to consider when growing a mussel cypress as a bonsai.
The mussel cypress is ideal for bonsai cultivation
Caring for bonsai clam cypress properly
In addition to regular pruning, a bonsai clam cypress needs good care:
- water regularly
- fertilize
- repot every two years
The soil should never dry out completely. As soon as the surface of the substrate has dried two centimeters deep, the mussel cypress must be watered. However, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. If possible, only water with rainwater, since tap water is usually too calcareous.
Fertilize from spring to autumn with an appropriate bonsai fertilizer or an organic spread fertilizer. When cared for as a bonsai, mussel cypresses must be repotted every two years. Before transplanting into the new planter, the roots are shortened.
Cut and wire shell cypress as bonsai
In order for the shell cypress to get the desired shape, it is cut every six to eight weeks. The branches are shortened accordingly. Never cut into the old wood, just remove the tips of the shoots.
You can also wire shell cypresses if you want to grow a special bonsai shape. It is best to use aluminum wire for this, which you wind from the bottom up. The wire must not be pulled too hard.
The wire must be removed from May, as this is when the trunk begins to grow thicker. Otherwise unsightly grooves will show up in the trunk later.
The right location
Shell cypresses as bonsai can be kept both indoors and outdoors in summer. When cared for indoors, the leaves remain very tender.
To harden off the plant, consider bringing it outdoors over the summer. When exposed to wind and rain, the leaves harden and the mussel cypress is more resistant to disease and pests overall.
If they are kept outdoors, a bright but not too sunny location should be chosen. Make sure that the water can drain off well in heavy rain.
tips
The shell cypress species from subtropical regions are not hardy. They must be overwintered indoors at at least five degrees Celsius. They also need less water during this time.