hinoki cypress

Watering your hinoki cypress plant will depend on the season and the climate. Generally, during the spring and summer, you should water your hinoki cypress once every 7-10 days. Be sure to check the soil before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the fall and winter, your hinoki cypress should only be watered once every 14-21 days. Be sure to adjust your watering schedule based on the amount of rain or snow in each season.

Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana') prefers full sun or partial shade and performs best in areas with some protection from strong winds. This species thrives when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in warm climates. In colder climates, it can tolerate up to 8 hours of sunlight for optimal growth and health. The plant should be sheltered from midday sun in all climates to prevent sun scald and dehydration.

Prune your Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana') twice per year for the best form and health. The first pruning should occur outdoors in late winter to early spring, before the new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut out any dead, diseased, or rogue-looking branches. Also, trim back any out-of-shape branches. The second pruning should ideally occur in summer, though this can often be harder to do due to higher temperatures and sun exposure. If so, plan to prune in late summer instead. For this pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or misshapen shoots, cutting them close to a healthy branch at an angle. Thin out any tightly-packed branches or overcrowded parts of your Hinoki Cypress. Essentially, you want to concentrate your growth on the dense, inner areas of the plant, while allowing airflow in the outer areas. Lastly, trim your Hinoki Cypress to maintain its desired size and shape.