The lemon cypress, with its bright green foliage and citrusy fragrance, makes a delightful houseplant This small evergreen conifer is prized for its conical shape, soft texture, and refreshing scent In this complete indoor care guide, we will cover everything you need to know to keep a potted lemon cypress thriving indoors.
An Overview of Lemon Cypress
Lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’) is a dwarf variety of the Monterey cypress native to coastal California. The ‘Wilma Goldcrest’ cultivar only reaches around 3 feet tall, making it perfect for containers. The thin, scale-like needles are a vibrant yellowish-green color. Brushing against the foliage releases a lovely lemony fragrance.
While lemon cypress can grow up to 16 feet outdoors, the small indoor types are ideal houseplants With proper care, this attractive conifer can live for many years in a pot.
Providing Optimal Indoor Growing Conditions
Caring for lemon cypress as a houseplant involves recreating its preferred growing conditions as close as possible. Here are the key factors to get right:
Sunlight
Bright light is essential for lemon cypress plants to thrive indoors. They need at least 5-6 hours of direct sun or very bright indirect light daily. East, south, or west-facing windows are ideal. Turn the pot regularly to prevent lopsided growth.
Insufficient light leads to sparse, weak growth. Supplement natural sunlight with grow lights if needed. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.
Temperature
Lemon cypress prefers cool temperatures between 60-70°F. Avoid placing pots near heating vents or drafty windows. A nighttime temperature drop into the 50s F is beneficial. The plant can tolerate warmer temperatures in summer but provide ample humidity.
Watering
Water lemon cypress whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid both under and overwatering which causes damage. Use room temperature water and dump excess from the saucer. Drooping branches indicate under watering while yellowing leaves can mean overwatering. Adjust frequency based on your conditions.
Humidity
Average humidity around 40-50% suits lemon cypress well. Increase moisture with a humidifier, pebble tray, or occasional misting. Good air circulation prevents foliage diseases. Keep away from heating/cooling vents which dry the air.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix, amending with perlite or bark. Good drainage prevents root rot. Re-pot every 2-3 years in a slightly larger container. Avoid rich, dense soil that holds too much moisture.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Dilute to half strength. Fertilize lightly in winter. Excess fertilizer can burn roots if light levels are too low for active growth.
Caring for Lemon Cypress Step-By-Step
Follow this complete step-by-step guide for successfully growing lemon cypress as a houseplant:
Choose the Right Container
Select a pot that is just 1-2 inches wider than the original nursery pot. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. A porous terra cotta pot helps increase airflow to the roots.
Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix
Create a mix using equal parts potting soil, perlite/sand, and peat moss or compost. The soil should feel loose and crumbly, not dense or moisture-retentive.
Pick a Bright Location
Place lemon cypress in an east, south, or west window where it will get 5-6 hours of direct sun or very bright indirect light. Rotate the pot weekly for even growth.
Water When Soil is Partially Dry
Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches deep. Water whenever the top portion feels dry, about once weekly. Always dump excess water from the saucer after 15 minutes.
Maintain Cool Temperatures
Keep lemon cypress away from heating vents, fireplaces, and other heat sources. 60-70°F is ideal. Let the plant experience a slight nighttime drop in temperature.
Increase Humidity
Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting to keep the humidity around 40-50%. Avoid dry indoor air which causes foliage browning.
Apply Diluted Fertilizer
Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Reduce fertilizing over winter when growth slows.
Monitor for Pests
Watch for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves often and hose off the plant to remove insects. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
Prune Lightly for Shape
Trim back new growth by 1-2 inches in early spring to maintain a compact, conical shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Troubleshooting Common Lemon Cypress Problems
Even with proper care, lemon cypress can sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering causes yellow leaves and potential root rot. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Repot if roots are mushy.
Browning Needles
Dry air, insufficient watering, and too much sun lead to browning. Increase humidity, water more consistently, and limit direct sun exposure.
Sparse Growth
Insufficient sunlight results in weak, leggy growth. Provide at least 5 hours of direct sun or supplement with grow lights.
Wilting
Both under and overwatering can cause limp, drooping branches. Check soil moisture and adjust your watering habits accordingly.
Pests
Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can sometimes infest plants. Spray with insecticidal soap and hose off foliage regularly to control populations.
Root Rot
Wet soil and poor drainage cause rotten roots. Repot in fresh mix, trim off dead roots, water less frequently.
Enjoying the Lemon Cypress Indoors
One of the best parts of growing lemon cypress inside is being able to appreciate its refreshing scent up close. Run your fingers along the soft, green needles or gently crush a few tips to release the lovely lemon fragrance.
With its gracefully drooping branches, conical shape, and bright color, the lemon cypress makes a uniquely textured and scented houseplant. Give it plenty of sunlight, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil for many years of enjoyment indoors. Follow this complete care guide to keep your lemon cypress healthy and thriving.
Lemon Cypress Indoor Care Guide! // Garden Answer
FAQ
Can Lemon Cypress survive indoors?
The lemony fragrance and golden yellow-to-chartreuse coloring of this Dwarf Evergreen make it an outstanding choice for containers. LIGHT: Indoors, Lemon Cypress should be close to a window where it will receive at least 6-8 hours a day of direct sun. TEMPERATURE: Plants prefer cooler temperatures of 55-65°F.
How often should I water a Lemon Cypress?
Water. As an outdoor shrub or tree, once established, the lemon cypress needs little supplemental watering. Allow the plant to establish itself by watering it once a week during the first season. If kept as a houseplant, give it a thorough deep watering weekly, ensuring the soil is never too dry.
Why is my Lemon Cypress turning brown?
Where is the best place to plant a Lemon Cypress tree?
Selecting the right spot for your lemon cypress is crucial. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, protect them from harsh winds and extreme cold. A sheltered location can help your lemon cypress flourish, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant.