Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Plumosa Aurea' (False Cypress) – Bonsai Care

Lighting: Full sun, in all but the hottest climates, is ESSENTIAL. Without proper lighting the lower and inner branches brown and die — a serious problem because Chamaecyparis will not bud back on old wood. Many books recommend shade, but this seems to be a strategy to avoid the soil drying out completely (see watering).

Temperature: Zone 5–8A. Most Chamaecyparis species are hardy to -10°F but are in danger of die-back from cold, drying winds; some frost/wind protection is advised. Lesniewicz claims C. pisifera 'Plumosa,' 'Nana Aurea,' and 'Squarrosa' can be grown indoors in a bright, airy location away from heat sources.

Watering: Touchy. Many varieties, especially Boulevard/blue moss cypress, are very vulnerable to root rot. However, unlike most genera that like it dry, false cypresses tend to drink a lot of water, especially during active growth, and Chamaecyparis can never be allowed to dry out completely. Drying winds can cause foliage die-back. The best strategy: use very fast-draining soil, water moderately, allow it to dry somewhat between waterings, and supplement with frequent misting. An experienced grower advised watering only in the morning to early afternoon, to avoid the trees standing in water overnight.

Feeding: Every two weeks from early spring to mid autumn. Use Miracid, as Chamaecyparis is a lime-hater. Tip: for blue varieties (C. pisifera 'Boulevard,' C. lawsoniana 'Minima Glauca') water occasionally with 1 teaspoon/gallon epsom salts to add magnesium, which turns the foliage an intense blue.

Pruning and wiring: The major styling challenge is the combination of rapid growth, die-back from lack of light, and refusal to bud on old wood. If not pruned constantly, inside and lower branches die and never regrow. The tree is best shaped through constant pinching of new foliage — never use scissors, as the foliage browns where cut. Most false cypresses are easy to wire, but branches may take a while to set and may need re-wiring several times to avoid cutting into the tree. Can be wired any time of year, but since wiring saps the plant's vigor, wait three months after repotting to wire.

Repotting: Every two to four years in early to mid spring for young trees, every three to five years for older ones. Soil mix depends on your conditions: fast-draining is best for most people, but a richer mix may be preferable in extremely hot areas to keep roots from drying completely.