Lemon Cypress: Plant Care & Growing Guide

The lemon cypress plant is known for its lemon-like aroma, and it is great for both inside and outside areas.

If you are looking for the right plant to fill out your garden, this is an excellent choice. It is definitely one of the most adaptable plants on the planet.

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Lemon Cypress Plant Care & Growing Guide

1. Light Requirement

If you are growing a lemon cypress plant indoors, you’ll want to place it by a window that receives direct sunlight. It is crucial that these plants get a full six to eight hours of direct sunlight every single day.

If you plan on keeping the plant outside, you can keep it in a spot with little to no shade. These plants thrive in direct sunlight, so you’ll need to keep that in mind.

2. Water

You’ll need to be careful about not overwatering your lemon cypress, as it is very prone to root rot. The soil should be moist, not drenched. One of the biggest mistakes that people make with these plants is giving them too much water, so you’ll want to be conservative.

3. Climate

These plants do best in mild climates that are near large bodies of water. This provides them with a cool breeze, which promotes healthy growth. They can be grown in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 10. Sunny regions typically offer the best growing environment.

4. Soil

One of the best things about lemon cypress plants is that they can thrive in a variety of soils. It is important to maintain moist soil, and good drainage is definitely a necessity. A combination of sand and soil is ideal, though putting it in regular soil is fine. Adding sand improves the filtration, which helps to ensure it stays healthy.

You should also keep in mind that the plant’s soil should be very agitated. The last thing you want is for it to sit in the same water for too long, as it can quickly lead to root rot.

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5. Temperature

A temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for lemon cypress plants. They do best when kept in sunny but cool environments. Direct sunlight is recommended, unless temperatures exceed 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Repotting

It is not a good idea to repot a lemon cypress plant unless it has become rootbound. It’s also acceptable to do this if it has started drying out too fast. Make sure that you put it into a new pot that is a little bit bigger than the one it is currently in. You will be able to use just about any soil when repotting this plant, as it is extremely adaptable. Just make sure that the soil offers excellent drainage and aeration.

7. Speed of Growth

You can expect your lemon cypress plant to grow anywhere from 6 to 8 feet within a period of about 10 years. This is of course assuming that it is kept in direct sunlight and the proper soil for normal growth.

8. Height and Spread

The lemon cypress plant has a maximum height of 8 inches and a spread of 1 to 2 feet. It is important that you leave at least a couple of feet between plants if you keep yours outside with others.

9. Trimming

It is crucial that you make a point of cutting back each branch that grows out too far for the best overall appearance. You don’t want to cut every green shoot from the branches, simply because they won’t appear again.

When you cut a branch on this tree, you’ll want to come from underneath with upward cuts. This will ensure that your plant looks its best while preventing any irreversible damage.

The best time to trim this plant is the last month of water. Work your way up from the bottom, cutting dry branches. These plants need to be trimmed at six years old. You should try to only prune when it is dry outside.

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Is the Lemon Cypress Poisonous?

The lemon cypress plant is not toxic or poisonous at all, which is why it is perfect for those with cats and dogs around.

Common Lemon Cypress Diseases

Certain insects like aphids are especially concerning when it comes to lemon cypress plants. This is an issue that mostly occurs with outdoor plants.

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Fungi can also cause a lot of damage to these plants within a short amount of time. Even a small accumulation of fungus can cause root rot. Mites are one of the biggest issues with these plants, so you’ll need to look for signs of them on a regular basis.

Lemon cypress plants sometimes develop a disease that dies the plant out quickly. This usually occurs when the plant is grown in a region that is very hot and dry.

Root rot is yet another problem that can quickly creep up on you if you aren’t careful. You can usually avoid this altogether by not overwatering your plant. Remember to keep the soil moist instead of soaked. You’ll want to stick your finger into the soil to feel how wet it is if you aren’t sure whether or not you should give it a drink.

Conclusion

Lemon cypress plants are good-looking plants that grow best in areas that are cool but receive plenty of sunlight on a daily basis. These plants can be grown inside or outdoors without much effort.

You will need to make a point of giving it just the right amount of water, as it is prone to root rot. These plants grow well in just about any soil that offers good drainage and aeration.

Your lemon cypress will need to be pruned occasionally, starting when it is six years old. Remember to cut upwards, starting from the bottom. This is a great plant for households with pets and small children, as it is non-toxic. Just keep in mind that these plants can be easily damaged by fungi, mites, and aphids. You will need to be extremely vigilant when it comes to monitoring the condition of your plant each day.