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The lemon cypress tree, also known as Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', is a delightful houseplant that adds a fresh, citrusy fragrance and a vibrant pop of green to your home. With its delicate, feathery foliage and pyramid shape, it’s a perfect plant for decorating small spaces or adding holiday charm. While it’s low-maintenance, the lemon cypress does require specific care to thrive indoors. Follow these tips to keep your lemon cypress tree healthy and beautiful year-round!
Lemon cypress trees love bright light! Place them near a sunny window where they can soak up plenty of natural light. They need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant green color and compact growth. If you don’t have enough natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Tip: Rotate your plant every few days to ensure even growth.
Unlike some houseplants, lemon cypress trees prefer consistently moist—but not soggy—soil. Water your plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, as this can stress the plant and lead to browning foliage.
Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent standing water, which can cause root rot.
If watering into a pot without drainage holes, be sure to discard any excess water at the bottom of the pot after watering, to reduce the chance of root rot or pests.
Lemon cypress trees thrive in cooler indoor temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Avoid placing them near heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, as excessive warmth can dry them out.
While they don’t require high humidity, it’s a good idea to mist the foliage occasionally if your home has particularly dry air, especially during the winter months. Ideally using a humidifier will provide the best increase in humidity for your plants.
Plant your lemon cypress in well-draining soil, such as a mix designed for houseplants or a combination of potting soil and sand. To keep your plant growing strong, feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows.
The lemon cypress is naturally compact and conical, so it doesn’t require much pruning. However, if you’d like to shape it or control its size, you can lightly trim the tips of the branches in early spring or late summer. Be sure to remove any dead or browning branches to encourage healthy growth.
Repot your lemon cypress every 2–3 years, or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that’s one size larger, and make sure it has drainage holes. Repotting in early spring is ideal, as the plant will have the whole growing season to adjust to its new home.
To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the plant and cut a 4–6 inch section just below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, then plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of perlite and peat. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect light, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. To maintain humidity and encourage rooting, cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or a propagator lid. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots, and once it's well-established, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden.
No, Lemon Cypress is not considered pet safe. The plant contains compounds that can be toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include drooling, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. While it may not cause severe poisoning, it’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the Lemon Cypress, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and treatment.
Browning Tips: This can be caused by underwatering, low humidity, or exposure to heat. Ensure the plant is receiving adequate water and is kept away from dry air or heat sources.
Yellowing Foliage: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, causing the foliage to yellow. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and ensure proper drainage.
Pests: Lemon cypress trees are generally pest-resistant, but watch out for spider mites or aphids. If you notice any pests, treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
The lemon cypress tree is a showstopper as a houseplant. Its bright green foliage and citrus scent make it perfect for year-round indoor decor. During the holidays, you can decorate it with mini ornaments or fairy lights for a festive touch. In other seasons, pair it with other houseplants for a lush, textured display.