Summer Cypress Plant Care
Kochia excavata J.M.Black
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Maireana excavata, the bottle bluebush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to southeastern Australia. A decumbent perennial with a substantial taproot, it is typically found growing in heavy soils.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Summer Cypress?
Water Summer Cypress every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 3 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Summer Cypress Native To?
What Is the Summer Cypress?
Summer Cypress (Kochia excavata) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Kochia genus. Summer Cypress is native to southeastern Australia. Summer Cypress is also known as Burning Bush.
Summer Cypress displays an upright, bushy annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Summer Cypress produces small green flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Summer Cypress?
Kochia excavata requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Summer Cypress Need?
Summer Cypress thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Summer Cypress Prefer?
Kochia excavata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Summer Cypress prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Summer Cypress?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Summer Cypress to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Summer Cypress?
Feed Summer Cypress every 3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 3 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Summer Cypress?
Replant annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Summer Cypress?
Summer Cypress can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Summer Cypress Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Summer 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 Summer Cypress?
Summer Cypress is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Summer Cypress Need?
Summer Cypress grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Summer Cypress is native to southeastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Summer Cypress as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Summer 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 Kochia genus — compare its care with other Kochia species on PlantoScan.
Kochia is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family — browse all Amaranthaceae genera and species.
Summer 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: Kochia excavata J.M.Black, family Amaranthaceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. Roy. Soc. South Australia 47: 368 (1923)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Summer 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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