Many trees in the cypress, or Cupressaceae, conifer family are very popular with bonsai enthusiasts. The Bald Cypress is perhaps the most commonly cultivated variety, and two other favorites include the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress and the Italian Cypress.
The Bald Cypress
The Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a great tree for beginning bonsai enthusiasts, and is a species often found in bonsai starter kits. In parts of the southern United States it can be harvested in the wild. The Bald Cypress is a hardy, deciduous conifer admired for its elegant looks. It has feather-like green leaves, fern-like graceful branches and cinnamon-colored bark that lend it an ancient appearance when grown as a bonsai. The leaves grow in flattened rows on the tree and can vary from the normal green color to a bright yellow. In the fall, the leaves will turn color from red to orange before falling off the tree.
The Bald cypress is a great tree for beginners because it is generally an adaptable plant, thriving in both formal and informal gardening styles. Thanks to extensive roots, this cypress can even be suitable for rock growing. Almost all bonsai growing techniques are applicable here.
Bald Cypress require a lot of water, as they grow along rivers and swamps in the wild. Their soil should always be kept moist through frequent watering or misting. They should be fed (fertilized) once a week in the spring, and then once every couple weeks during the summer and fall until dormancy begins. Bald cypress thrive in direct sun, and will do best outdoors.
Pruning Bald Cypress can be a bit of a task. Because of the delicacy of this cypress' leaves and branches, it is recommended that you prune with your fingers instead of tools, particularly if you have a younger tree. Cut marks from scissors can discolor and spoil the elegance of this bonsai. Its branches are also very sensitive to wire marks. It may take several tries to wire a Bald Cypress correctly, so be careful not to cut any marks into the branches.
With the right attention and dedication, growing a Bald Cypress can be easy, rewarding, and fulfilling!
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The Dwarf Hinoki Cypress has a broad, sweeping shape. Its branches droop a bit at the tips and it can grow from 50 to 75 feet in height, with a foliage spread of 10 to 20 feet. The Dwarf Hinoki is perhaps the easiest cypress variety to keep alive as a bonsai. However, it is also one of the most difficult trees to maintain in proper bonsai form because of the almost spinning pattern of its foliage.
The Italian Cypress, also known as Mediterranean Cypress, is ideal as an indoor bonsai. The Italian Cypress was originally found in the Mediterranean region and it is sensitive to cold weather. When growing and caring for an Italian Cypress as a bonsai, it is necessary to bring it indoors during winter weather. The leaves grow in a flattened pattern and the tree also grows small, elongated brown cones throughout the year, which is rare with bonsai trees.
