How To Train False Cypress Bonsai

The False Cypress bonsai is often created from the family of Chamaecyparis obtusa. This family is kin to the group of Cupressaceae. The amazing False Cypress grows up to 115-feet tall in nature, yet you can train a miniature-sized bonsai from its roots.

Once you seed, plant cuttings, graft, or plant layers you will need to learn how to care for your new False Cypress bonsai. Care requires sun exposure, adequate climatic conditions, ventilation, potting, cleaning, wiring, pruning, growth, re-potting, soil, water, sprays, and feeding. Sprays will protect your trained False Cypress from pests and disease.

Sunlight exposure:
Your new False Cypress requires dense shade. The Cypress bonsai will not do well in fully lighted environments. In hot weather the plant will parch, therefore provide shade so that you plant will survive training.

How to ventilate:
False Cypress can withstand humid winds, but will show unhealthy symptoms when the plant is touched by dry winds.

The plant prefers temperatures as outlined, but first we must consider the specimen before adjusting the climatic, tolerate level. For example, the Chamaecyparis group of obtusa cannot tolerate colder climates. The plant will withstand weather influenced by the sea however, i.e. maritime conditions. The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana groups can stand colder conditions however. The False Cypress specimens will grow well in climatic environments suitable for their growth. The plants grow slow, yet when the Cypress ages it will present to you a steady regal bonsai.

How to pot:
You want a pot that provides adequate drainage. It depends on how you intend to shape your bonsai as to the depth of the pot. The deep pots are ideal however. You can choose any style to grow your plant, including the hexagonal, oval, etc.

How to clean:
In the fall, you want to get rid of any damaged wood, foliage, etc. To prevent pests and disease from claiming your False Cypress bonsai clean the soil often.

How to re-pot:
To re-pot your bonsai wait until three or five years. Re-pot the Cypress in March and April. The plants should be pruned between each month. Prune 1/3 of the plant and take one-half hairs from the roots. The pot should provide adequate drainage and have the depth desired for the False Cypress.

How to soil:
Soil should include 1/3 of loam, leaf mould, and course sand. The soil should be deep to provide ample space. The False Cypress prefers ample light and coolness.

How to prune:
To prune your False Cypress you will need shears, thumb, and an index finger. Use the fingers to pinch the tips of the shoots out. The process is done during the season of growth. The process continues a couple times after. The needles should be left alone, yet you will need to prune the branches at the side. You can move bunches, or the tuft to avoid over-growth. The foliage should be removed about one-third and larger, bulky branches can be cut with clippers.

How to wire:
To train your False Cypress as a bonsai you will need to wire until you reach the desired form. The wiring should start in fall and removed around nine to ten months later. Do not leave the wire on longer. You can re-wire the bark annually.

How to spray:
To protect your False Cypress bonsai from pests and disease spray the plants frequently in the summer. Use mist-sprays.

How to feed:
The plant should be feed in the spring and fall. At the end of fall, you want to increase feed. Use long-winded, macrobiotic acting fertilizers and feed monthly.