Photo: Calamites297CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Monterey Cypress Plant Care
Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa also known as Cupressus macrocarpa, or the Monterey cypress is a coniferous tree, and is one of several species of cypress trees native to California.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
0–100°F
30–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Monterey Cypress?
Plant Monterey Cypress in full sun (USDA zones 7b–10b) and water a young tree every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F (-18–38°C).
Where Is the Monterey Cypress Native To?
What Is the Monterey Cypress?
Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Cupressus genus. Monterey Cypress is native to California. Monterey Cypress is also known as Macrocarpa Cypress.
Monterey Cypress displays a tall, conical tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Monterey Cypress produces inconspicuous, small cones.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Monterey Cypress?
Water a young or newly planted Monterey 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Monterey Cypress Need?
Monterey Cypress thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Monterey Cypress Prefer?
Cupressus macrocarpa tolerates temperatures of 0–100°F. Monterey Cypress prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
30–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Monterey Cypress?
Well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Monterey Cypress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Monterey Cypress?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Monterey Cypress is suited to USDA Zone 7b – 10b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Monterey Cypress?
Monterey Cypress can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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.
How Do You Prune a Monterey Cypress?
Prune Monterey 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.
How Do You Care for a Monterey Cypress in Winter?
Monterey Cypress is hardy down to USDA zone 7b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes — evergreens keep losing water through their needles all winter, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Monterey Cypress?
Monterey Cypress can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to italian cypress plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Monterey Cypress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Monterey Cypress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Monterey Cypress?
Monterey Cypress is susceptible to bagworms, spider mites, cypress canker. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Monterey Cypress Need?
Monterey Cypress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7b. Monterey Cypress is native to California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Monterey Cypress is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cupressus genus — compare its care with other Cupressus species on PlantoScan.
Cupressus is part of the Cupressaceae plant family — browse all Cupressaceae genera and species.
Monterey Cypress thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw., family Cupressaceae (first published in J. Hort. Soc. London 2: 187 (1847)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Monterey Cypress, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Calamites297, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7b – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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