NOTE: The terms Hinoki cypress and Chamaecyparis obtusa are identical in this text; in reality, Chamaecyparis obtusa is Hinoki cypress’s biological word.
The Hinoki cypress is a tall evergreen tree with branches that droop at the tips. The tree is so tall and dense that it is often used for privacy screens. In traditional Japanese gardens, it is a favorite for ornamental planting, and dwarf forms of the tree are also popular for bonsai.
The cypress trees have cones that are 1/3 to 1/2 inch in diameter. The Hinoki cypress species can grow to 75 feet tall, despite dwarf cultivars that are just a couple of feet tall. The most common tree varieties are 25 to 40 feet tall.
Why does my Chamaecyparis obtusa roots have rot?
Root rot on your Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) can be dangerous if left untreated. In order to keep your plant alive, we strongly suggest that you follow our advice if the signs start to show: blackened and mushy roots.
Why does my Hinoki cypress have gray mold spots?
Gray mold spots are a specific fungus that regularly harms flowers and spreads swiftly. If you notice any brown (or gray) spots, this fungus is probably to cause. You risk your plant dying if you ignore these warning indications.
Our Solution
The solution is quite logical when you know the cause of the problem. Most of the time, it is due to overwater of the Chamaecyparis obtusa. We advise you to remove the infected parts of the plant, cut off the infected roots and leaves, then repot your plant using sterile potting soil and a clean pot.
Why does my Hinoki cypress have leaf spots?
This type of disease is one of the most frustrating for Hinoki cypress owners, we give you all the leads to spot and save your plants that present symptoms such as leaves that suddenly change color, or wilt/droop.
Why are my Hinoki cypress leaves turning yellow?
This is probably the most common problem in the gardening world, yellowing leaves. There are 2 main reasons for this phenomenon, overwatering, or a lack of nutrients.
When it’s overwatering, simply reduce your watering frequency, and if you think it’s a nutrient deficiency, here’s how to check it:
Here are some indicators of yellowing on the Chamaecyparis obtusa brought on by its numerous flaws:
- The first symptom of a magnesium deficiency is yellow patches between leaf veins on elder leaves. The leaf’s core turns yellow while the veins stay green. The edges of the leaf yellow last.
- Another indicator of iron deficiency is yellowing between leaf veins, but young leaves on plant tops and branch tips are first affected.
- Sulfur shortage first affects the youngest leaves, turning them entirely yellow.
- Insufficient potassium causes the leaf edges to turn brilliant yellow while the interior of the leaf stays green. Older leaves show the symptoms initially, and the leaf edges quickly darken.
- A lack of nitrogen is indicated by a widespread yellowing. Older, inner leaves are the first to yellow. As the yellowing progresses, it eventually touches young leaves as well.
Our Solution
You only need to act in accordance with the symptoms listed above. You can address a potassium or nitrogen deficiency by buying a particular soil, and a gardening store consultant will be able to advise you on how to do that. Furthermore, you can also limit how frequently you water your plants.
Is my Hinoki cypress sunburned?
It is quite easy to find out if your Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) has been burned by the sun. Just like on us, your plant will change color in this case, it will start to turn yellow or white.
As we saw above, if your Hinoki cypress receives too much water or not enough light, the leaves may also change color.
The bottom of the yellow leaves with a shaded area closer to the base can be examined to determine if they have been sunburned. If this part remains greener, the yellow leaf is most likely sunburned and not something else.
Why are my Hinoki cypress leaves turning brown?
The classic sign that a plant has been overexposed to direct sunlight and sunburned is the development of browning leaves. Rest assured that while this may probably save your plant from dying, it will adversely affect its growth.
Should I leave my Chamaecyparis obtusa in direct sunlight?
No! If your Chamaecyparis obtusa (or Hinoki cypress) has the symptoms described above, don’t leave it in direct sunlight, that’s the reason why your Hinoki cypress is in such a state!
Our Solution
As explained in the paragraph above, the solution is simple, just place your Hinoki cypress in a place where the light does not reach it directly, in this way and with a correct watering, your plant should resume its life rather quickly.
Why are my Chamaecyparis obtusa leaves drooping or wilting ?
This typically occurs when your Chamaecyparis obtusa gets dehydrated. Large plants are more at risk since they naturally require more water than smaller plants.
You may quickly determine if your Chamaecyparis obtusa plant needs water by under-weighing its pot; if it seems light, the soil and roots are probably fairly dry and require water.
Our Solution
If the soil in your plant’s pot is completely dry, you will need to start by moistening it so that the roots will also benefit from the water. A common mistake is to drown the Hinoki cypress right after a dry period thinking that it needs a lot of water.
This is the case, but giving too much water at once is the best way to finish it off, you should actually water the soil normally, resuming a quiet watering rhythm.
Caring Tips for Chamaecyparis obtusa
Water Occasionally
Your plant needs water to survive, but it’s crucial to balance the amount and timing of watering. As we previously mentioned, overwatering could be catastrophic for your Chamaecyparis obtusa.
The best way to know if your plant needs water or not is to touch the soil, if you feel it is still wet, it is probably a good idea to wait a few more days.
Always keep temperatures stable
Maintaining a consistent temperature for your Chamaecyparis obtusa is also a good idea, especially if it is kept indoors. At GreenShack, we typically advise reserving a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees F. Of course, avoid positioning your Chamaecyparis obtusa close to air conditioners, radiators, or other sources of hot or cold air.
Keep your Hinoki cypress Dust-Free
This one concerns indoor plants, just like on your furniture, dust is also deposited on the leaves of your indoor plants, the problem is that it can prevent them from receiving the necessary light, this would slow down (or even stop) the photosynthesis process, and eventually, they would lose their colors.
For your Hinoki cypress, this would be a true descent into hell, and it would also appease the pests.
To remove the dust, gently rub the plant’s leaves with a microfiber cloth. Dust can be removed more easily with a damp cloth, but stay away from corrosive substances like rubbing alcohol!
Keep drainage in mind
If you have a tendency to overwater, you should be mindful of your drainage, and if they don’t already have them, we suggest selecting a saucer and a pot with drainage holes.
In the meantime, if you don’t have holes in your pots, you can add volcanic rocks (or any rocks with holes) at the bottom of your pot, this way it will create a channel so that the water doesn’t stay in your skin too much (to avoid that roots start to rot!)
