How to Grow Cupressus Lusitanica - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cupressus lusitanica is an evergreen tree that is native to Portugal and Spain. It is also known as the cedar of Goa. The tree can grow up to 35 meters tall and has a diameter of 1 to 2 meters. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are scale-like. The cones are brown and have a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters.

How to Grow Cupressus Lusitanica - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Cypress
  • Mediterranean Cypress
  • Pencil Cypress
  • Hinoki Cypress
  • Goldcrest Cypress

Things to Know

  • Cupressus lusitanica is a species of conifer in the cypress family.
  • It is native to the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa.
  • It is an evergreen tree growing to 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are scale-like, 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long and 1–2 mm (0.039–0.079 in) broad.
  • The cones are globose, 6–12 mm (0.24–0.47 in) diameter, with 8-12 scales.
  • The seeds are black, 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long, with a small wing.
  • Cupressus lusitanica is a popular ornamental tree, planted in parks and gardens.
  • It is also used in timber production and as a Christmas tree.
  • The wood is red-brown, with a fine, even grain.
  • It is hard, strong and durable, and is used for making furniture, floors and other wood products.

Related plant:
Cupressus Arizonica

How to Grow

  1. For cupressus lusitanica, first step is to choose the right type of soil and location.
  2. The second step is to take a cutting from an existing tree.
  3. The third step is to plant the cutting in the chosen soil and location.
  4. The fourth step is to water the cutting regularly.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the cutting.
  6. The sixth step is to prune the cutting.
  7. The seventh step is to monitor the tree for pests and diseases.
  8. The eighth step is to harvest the tree when it is mature.
  9. The ninth step is to dry the tree.
  10. The tenth step is to store the tree.

Related plant:
Cupressus Sempervirens

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the best for Cupressus lusitanica is deep, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. They are not tolerant of wet or heavy soils. They will also do well in loamy soils.

Light requirement

Similar to other types of cypress trees, the Cupressus lusitanica requires full sun to grow properly. This means that it should be planted in an area of the yard that receives direct sunlight for most of the day. It is also important to make sure that the tree has plenty of room to grow, as it can reach up to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the cupressus lusitanica is that it prefers a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is tolerant of cold, but not frost, and can be grown in areas with an average annual temperature of between 10-15 degrees Celsius. It does not like excessively hot or humid conditions.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging, and will develop leaf spot and rot if the roots are waterlogged. The plant can also tolerate drought once it is established.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot of nutrients in order to grow. In fact, too many nutrients can actually be detrimental to the plant. For this reason, it is best to use a light fertilizer when growing cupressus lusitanica. When it comes to the roots, they are quite shallow and wide-spread, so it is important to make sure that the soil is loose and well-draining.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Cupressus lusitanica tree. This species is a fast grower, and without regular pruning, the tree can become unmanageable. Pruning also helps to keep the tree's growth in check and encourages dense, even growth. The best time to prune a Cupressus lusitanica tree is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of cupressus lusitanica is typically done by seed, although cuttings and rooted layering are also possible. Seedlings are best started in a cold frame or greenhouse, as they require a period of moist, cool stratification in order to germinate. Sow seeds in the fall, and keep them moist but not wet. Once seedlings emerge, they can be transplanted into individual pots and then moved outdoors once they are established. Cupressus lusitanica can also be propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings in the summer or rooting hardwood cuttings taken in the fall.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the summer but some during the winter as well. The average growth rate is about six inches per year. Cupressus lusitanica is a columnar, evergreen tree that can grow to heights of 40-60 feet with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. The tree has dark green, scale-like leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The cones are oblong, brown, and contain up to 30 seeds.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, dieback, root rot, and twig dieback. Canker is a fungal disease that affects the tree's trunk and branches, causing them to slowly die. Dieback is a condition in which the tips of the branches die, while the rest of the branch remains alive. Root rot is a soil-borne fungus that attacks the tree's roots, causing them to rot and eventually die. Twig dieback is a condition in which the tips of the twigs die, while the rest of the twig remains alive.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your Cupressus lusitanica in an area that receives full sun.
  • This coniferous tree does best in well-drained, sandy soil.
  • Cupressus lusitanica is a slow grower, so be patient!
  • To encourage growth, fertilize your tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  • If you live in an area with hot summers, make sure to provide your tree with ample water.
  • To keep your tree healthy, prune it annually.
  • Cupressus lusitanica is generally a pest-free tree, but watch out for scale insects and spider mites.
  • This tree is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure the soil around it is well-drained.
  • Cupressus lusitanica is not tolerant of salt, so avoid planting it near the ocean.

You May Like

  • Cupressus x leylandii - Cupressus x leylandii, Leyland cypress, or (formerly) Leylandii is a garden cross of two species of cypress, Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) and Cupressus nootkatensis (Nootka cypress).
  • Cupressus dupreziana - Cupressus dupreziana, commonly known as the Algerian cypress or cade tree, is a species of cypress native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria.
  • Cupressus lusitanica var. brevifolia - Cupressus schweinfurthii, the African cypress, is an endangered evergreen coniferous tree native to a small area in the Sudanian refuge forests of southwestern Ethiopia.
  • Cupressus lusitanica - Cupressus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese cypress, is

Source:
Cupressus lusitanica - University of Hawai?i
Cupressus lusitanica | Tropical Restoration Library - Yale University
APPLICABILITY EVALUATION OF Cupressus lusitanica FOR ... - academia.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category