The Potted Gem: Dwarf Cypress Care Guide

The Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma') is a highly popular, slow-growing conifer often kept in containers due to its bright, cheerful green foliage and naturally neat, conical or rounded shape.

Beyond its striking appearance, the foliage releases a pleasant citrus scent when gently touched, making it a wonderful sensory plant for patios and entrances.

​Essential Planting & Placement

​1. Light Requirements

​This plant loves bright light to maintain its vivid lime-green color.

• ​Best Placement: Place it in a spot that receives full sun to partial sun (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day).

• ​Too Little Light: If the light is too dim, the bright green foliage will fade and the plant may become sparse.

• ​Protection: In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent the tips from burning.

​2. Planting in Containers

​Since this plant is often grown in a pot, proper container setup is crucial.

• ​Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Conifers are sensitive to "wet feet" (roots sitting in soggy soil).

• ​Drainage: Ensure the pot has a large, functional drainage hole.

• ​Repotting: If you want it to grow larger, repot every 1-2 years into a container only one size larger, or trim the roots and refresh the soil to maintain the current size.

​3. Hardiness

​Most dwarf cypresses are hardy outdoors in moderate climates (typically USDA Zones 7-10). If you live in an area with freezing winters, you must bring the potted plant into a sheltered, unheated space like a garage or shed, or keep it as an indoor houseplant in a bright, cool room.

Watering and Feeding

​Watering

​This is the most critical aspect of keeping potted conifers healthy.

• ​Keep Evenly Moist: The soil should be kept consistently moist, but never waterlogged. It requires more frequent watering than many other potted shrubs, especially when the weather is hot or windy.

• ​The Drought Test: If the soil becomes too dry, the interior foliage will quickly turn brown and crispy.

• ​How to Water: Water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes. Test the soil before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water again.

​Fertilizing

• ​When to Feed: Feed during the spring and early summer growing season.

• ​What to Use: Use a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens, or a balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4-6 weeks.

​Pruning and Maintenance

​Pruning for Shape

​The Lemon Cypress naturally grows into a neat column or cone. The spherical shape in the picture is achieved through regular pruning.

• ​Technique: Lightly shear or trim the tips of the foliage (the green growth) to maintain the desired spherical or globe shape.

• ​Timing: Prune in late spring or early summer after the main flush of new growth.

• ​The Danger Zone: Never cut into the old, brown, woody part of the plant (known as "old wood"). Cypress and Arborvitae generally do not sprout new growth from old wood, so cutting too deep will leave permanent bald spots.

​Common Issues

• ​Browning Inside: This is common, especially in autumn, and is usually the plant shedding old interior needles. However, excessive browning often indicates underwatering or root rot (from overwatering). Check your watering habits first.

• ​Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, especially if kept indoors. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

Note: How it's grow in Cambodia

​To successfully grow a Dwarf Cypress (Cupressus) in Cambodia, the focus must be on managing tropical heat and humidity to prevent scorching and root rot.

The plant must be kept in a well-draining container filled with a light, porous mix (amended with perlite) to ensure the roots never sit in soggy soil. Place the pot where it receives bright, direct morning sun only, and is protected by full shade during the intense midday and afternoon heat.

Watering must be done frequently, often daily, to keep the soil consistently moist, but excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Regular, light pruning of the green tips maintains the shape, while good air circulation helps deter common fungal diseases and pests like spider mites.

All the best.