Indoor Lemon Cypress Tree: 9 Simple Care Tips You Need to Know

Lemon cypress trees, a small variety of Monterey pine, are known for their unique yellow needles and fresh, lemon-like scent. While these plants are typically used as short-term holiday ornamentals, they can also be grown as houseplants to enjoy year-round with a little care. From choosing the best pot to watering and lighting, here’s what you need to know to keep your indoor lemon cypress trees alive after the holidays.

1. Choose the right pot

Lemon cypress trees need well-drained soil and should be replanted as soon as possible if you purchased them in a pot without drainage holes. For best results, choose a well-drained clay pot that is only one or two inches larger than the original pot the plant was growing in, and repot your plant using a soil mix mixed with sand, perlite, or bark for faster drainage. As houseplants, lemon cypress trees grow relatively slowly, but it is still necessary to repot them every 3-4 years to ensure their roots have room to grow.

2. Water regularly

Lemon cypress trees need regular watering, but it’s important not to overdo it. Overly dry soil can cause these plants to turn brown and become brittle. However, overwatering can also cause problems, such as root rot and plant death. To avoid these problems, water your trees once a week when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry and reduce watering slightly during the winter.

3. Provide plenty of light

Bright, indirect light is best for lemon cypress trees, while direct sunlight can cause sun damage and discoloration of the needles. A bright window that receives at least 5-6 hours of morning sun or filtered light during the afternoon is best for these plants, but they can also be kept under grow lights in low-light homes. To prevent your plant from growing toward the light, turn its pot a quarter turn each time you water it.

4. Keep it cool

Although lemon cypress trees tolerate standard room temperatures, they will grow best if you set your thermostat to 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be aware that freezing temperatures and drafts can damage these plants. So, if you keep your lemon cypress outside during the summer, be sure to bring it back inside before the cold weather sets in.

5. Increase Humidity

Just like dry soil, dry indoor air can cause lemon cypress trees to turn brown and brittle. But you can keep your plants green and lush by placing them near a humidifier or on a stone tray. It’s also a good idea to keep these plants away from air conditioning and heating, which can further dry out the air inside.

6. Add a little fertilizer

In the wild, Monterey pines grow in relatively poor, nutrient-poor soil, so it’s no surprise that lemon pine trees don’t need much fertilizer. In fact, planting these plants in soil that’s too rich or fertilizing them too frequently can cause their stems to grow out of their roots and damage the plant. Lemon cypress trees typically don’t need fertilizing at all, but if your plant looks like it needs a boost, fertilize it just once a year in early spring with a diluted liquid organic fertilizer.

7. Beware of pests

Indoor plants are less likely to attract pests than garden plants, but pests can still occasionally find their way inside and cause damage to your indoor plants. Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects especially love lemon cypress trees, but these pests can be treated. Organic soap sprays applied every 7-10 days work wonders against mealybugs and aphids, while organic horticultural oil is your best bet if you’re dealing with hard-bodied scale insects.

8. Avoid pruning

Lemon cypress trees naturally maintain a pyramidal shape as they grow and rarely require pruning. However, if your plants produce a few stray stems, you can always cut them off with clean shears or pruners. If you want to get more creative, lemon cypress trees can also be used in landscaping or bonsai.

9. Propagating the Stems

If you want to create more lemon cypress trees, the best way to do so is to take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from healthy branches and propagate them in soil with a rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in bright indirect light, cover them with clear plastic to trap moisture, and keep the soil evenly moist until the cuttings root. Then, plant the new lemon cypress trees in individual pots and care for them just like the parent plants.