Who says cypress trees are strictly for garden beds or hedges? If you’ve got a nice, large pot handy, these trees are more than happy to call it home. The best part? Keeping them in containers means you can move them around whenever you want to change up your patio’s look.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
You don’t need to go out and buy a massive planter right away unless your cypress is already full-grown. For younger trees, it’s better to let them “level up” their root space gradually. Plan on repotting every two years into fresh, loose, nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Pick a pot that’s twice as large as the current root ball.
- Make sure it has at least one large drainage hole.
- Ensure it’s deep enough to accommodate a solid drainage layer at the bottom.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip that drainage layer! Cypress roots absolutely hate sitting in soggy soil. Use coarse sand, pebbles, or perlite to keep things flowing.
Finding a Sun-Soaked Spot
Coming from the Mediterranean, cypress trees naturally crave warmth and sunshine. However, when they’re in a container, you have to be a little more careful. Aim for a spot that gets plenty of morning and evening sun but is protected from the wind. Try to avoid harsh, direct midday sun, as it can scorch the tips of the branches and turn them brown.
Keeping Up with Care
Life in a pot is a bit limited—specifically when it comes to water and nutrients. Since the tree can’t reach into the ground for extras, it’s up to you to keep it happy:
- Water whenever the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
- In the heat of summer, you might need to water several times a day.
- Room-temperature rainwater is the “gold standard” for these guys.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks from spring through fall.
- Use a liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for conifers.
Winter Protection 101
Here’s the thing: a potted cypress isn’t fully winter-hardy like its cousins in the ground. The ideal setup is moving it to a bright, humid spot indoors that stays between 40°F and 50°F. If you don’t have a space like that, you’ll need to bundle it up outside during freezing weather:
- Move it to a spot sheltered from the wind.
- Place it against a covered house wall for extra warmth.
- Wrap the pot in bubble wrap to insulate the roots.
- Set the pot on a wooden pallet or a piece of Styrofoam to keep it off the cold ground.
- Wrap the branches in burlap or cotton fabric.
- Cover the soil with brushwood or mulch.
- Give it a little lukewarm water every now and then.
- Stop fertilizing entirely during the winter dormancy.
One last tip: Keep those branches protected not just from the frost, but also from intense winter sun, which can dry them out quickly!
