Cypress Plant Care

Cypress (Callitris acuminata) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Callitris genus. Cypress is native to southwestern Western Australia.

Cypress displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Cypress produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cypress every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cypress thrives in full sun.

Callitris acuminata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Cypress prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cypress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cypress is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cypress can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Cypress while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Cypress is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cypress can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pancheri's cypress plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cypress is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cypress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cypress is native to southwestern Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Cypress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.