hinoki cypress

Watering a hinoki cypress requires a careful balance between enough water and thorough draining. The soil should remain lightly moist at all times, so the plant should be watered when the top 2–3 inches of soil has dried out. Water your hinoki cypress deeply and regularly, providing 1-2 inches of water a week either from rainfall or from supplemental irrigations during dry spells. If planting hinoki cypress in sandy or fast-draining soils, increase the frequency of waterings, but allow the soil to almost dry out before watering again. If using a container, keep an eye on water levels and water immediately when the soil feels dry.

The hinoki cypress plant species should be exposed to between 4 and 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species should be in full sun during the morning, but some afternoon shade is recommended, especially during warmer months. The amount of sunlight a hinoki cypress needs may depend on the climate in which it is planted. In cooler climates, the plant may benefit from extra sunlight; whereas in warmer climates, the plant may need more shade.

For hinoki cypress, the best time to prune is during the spring season. Pruning should be light and limited to removal of dead, diseased, and crossing branches. After pruning, it is important to shape the tree by removing extra growth for a nice outline. Anywhere from 2-4 inches of growth should be removed from each branch. It is important to not over-prune the tree.