Hinoki cypress is an evergreen tree that is native to Japan. The tree has fragrant, dark green foliage and produces small, brown cones. The hinoki cypress is often used as a ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The tree is also used in the production of hinoki oil, which is used in aromatherapy.
Also called
- Hinoki Cypress
- Hinoki False Cypress
- Golden Hinoki Cypress
- Hinoki Cypress 'Nana'
- Hinoki Cypress 'Pygmaea'
Things to Know
- Hinoki cypress is an evergreen coniferous tree native to central and southern Japan.
- It is an important timber tree in Japan, where it is used for construction, furniture, and woodworking.
- Hinoki cypress is also grown as an ornamental tree, and its wood is prized for its beauty and scent.
- Hinoki cypress trees can live for hundreds of years, and some individuals are thought to be over 1000 years old.
- The oldest known hinoki cypress tree is the "Jomon Sugi", a tree in Yakushima which is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
- Hinoki cypress trees are threatened by a number of pests and diseases, including the hinoki cypress scale, hinoki root rot, and hinoki dieback.
- Hinoki cypresses are also susceptible to damage from typhoons and other severe weather events.
- Hinoki cypresses are slow-growing trees, and it can take up to 50 years for a tree to reach its full size.
- The wood of hinoki cypresses is very durable and resistant to rot, making it an ideal material for construction and furniture.
- Hinoki cypresses are considered to be sacred trees in Japan, and they are often planted around shrines and temples.
Planting Process
- For hinoki cypress, first step is to find a appropriate location. The location should be where there is bright light but not too much direct sunlight. Also, the location should have good drainage and not be too wet or too dry.
- Next, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure. The soil should be loose and well-draining.
- Once the soil is prepared, plant the hinoki cypress seedlings or saplings. Make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were in the pots.
- Water the seedlings well and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize the seedlings monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- When the seedlings are about a foot tall, you can start pruning them to shape them.
- Hinoki cypresses dont require a lot of pruning, but you can trim them annually to keep them looking tidy.
- If you live in an area with winters that get cold, you will need to provide some protection for your hinoki cypresses. They can either be planted in a pot and brought indoors or wrapped with burlap or another protective material.
- Hinoki cypresses are relatively low-maintenance, but they will need to be watered during periods of drought.
- Lastly, hinoki cypresses can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Check your plants regularly and treat them accordingly if you notice any problems.
Soil Requirement
About soil condition, Hinoki cypress can grow in well-drained soils, in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, acidic soils, but it is intolerant of waterlogged soils. It is also intolerant of salt.
About light
Just like other conifers, the hinoki cypress does best in full sun, although it can tolerate some shade. It is important to plant this tree in an area where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If it does not get enough sun, the tree will become leggy and will not produce as many cones.
Good Temperature
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of hinoki cypress is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. This tree is known to be sensitive to cold temperatures and can be easily damaged by frost. If the temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius, the tree may suffer from dieback.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is above 40%, however it can also tolerate lower humidity conditions as long as the air is not too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and eventually drop off.
The Fertilizer
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant 's roots are the main concern. However, with hinoki cypress, it is important to focus on both the roots and the shoots. The roots of hinoki cypress are very dense and fibrous, so they need a lot of nutrients to stay healthy. The shoots of hinoki cypress are also very dense, so they need a lot of nutrients to grow. A good fertilizer for hinoki cypress should have a high concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Light requirement
Pruning a hinoki cypress is a straightforward process that can be done with a few simple tools. Begin by removing any branch that is dead, dying, or diseased. Next, trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, cut back any branches that are growing out of bounds or that you simply don't like the look of. As you prune, keep in mind that hinoki cypresses have a tendency to produce new growth from old wood, so don't be afraid to make bold cuts.
The Propagation
Propagation of hinoki cypress is typically done by rooting softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken from the tips of young branches. Cuttings should be taken during the late spring or early summer when the new growth is beginning to harden off. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The bottom node should be buried in the rooting medium and the cutting should be kept moist until roots have developed.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate fall in between 2.5 to 3.5 inches a year. It is a moderate rate for a plant. Some conditions that may impact the growth rate are the amount of sunlight, water and nutrients the plant receives.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn brown and drop off, and the tree may stop growing. There may also be yellowing of the needles, and dieback of the tips. These problems are often caused by incorrect watering, too much or too little fertilization, or damage from wind, sun, or cold.
List to Know
- Make sure to plant your hinoki cypress in an area that receives full sun.
- Hinoki cypress prefer well-drained soil.
- Hinoki cypress are relatively drought-tolerant once established, so be sure to water them regularly during the first growing season.
- Fertilize your hinoki cypress regularly during the growing season.
- Prune your hinoki cypress as needed to maintain its shape and size.
- Hinoki cypress are generally pest- and disease-free.
- Keep an eye out for scale insects, which can be a problem for hinoki cypress.
- Hinoki cypress can be sensitive to salt, so be sure to avoid using salt around them.
- Hinoki cypress are generally deer-resistant.
- Enjoy the beauty of your hinoki cypress for many years to come
Alternative Plants
- Chamaecypress, Cypress False
- Taiwania Cypress
- Chamaecyparis
- Cupressus lusitanica
- Cupressus thyoides
- Cupressus glabra
- Auracaria
- Cupressus cashmeriana
- Cupressus sempervirens
- Thuja occidentalis
Source:
Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) | Bryn Mawr College
Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtuse - University of Alabama
Franklin & Marshall Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor