Fujian Cypress Plant Care

Fujian Cypress (Fokienia hodginsii) belongs to the Cupressaceae family within the Fokienia genus. Fujian Cypress is also known as Hengchun Cypress.

Fujian Cypress displays a tall coniferous tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Fujian Cypress produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fujian Cypress every 7–14 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.

Fujian Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Fokienia hodginsii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Fujian Cypress prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Fujian Cypress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fujian Cypress every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fujian 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.

Fujian 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.

Prune Fujian 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.

Fujian 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.

Fujian Cypress can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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Fujian 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.

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