The Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest Wilma’, commonly known as Lemon Cypress, is a popular conifer for its distinctive appearance and refreshing lemon aroma. Its vibrant color and compact growth make it suitable for decorative purposes, both indoors and outdoors.
Understanding Your Lemon Cypress
Lemon Cypress is distinguished by its bright, chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage and naturally conical, dense growth. Its soft, needle-like leaves release a strong, refreshing lemon scent when brushed. This plant is often called a “Grump Tree” due to its whimsical, irregular shape, especially when trained as a topiary.
The ‘Goldcrest Wilma’ cultivar is a dwarf variety, typically purchased as a small potted plant. It reaches a mature height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of 1 to 2 feet. Its growth rate is slow, gaining 6 to 12 inches per year. The golden hue of its foliage intensifies in sunny locations.
Lemon Cypress Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Lemon Cypress thrives in bright, indirect light, needing at least 5 to 6 hours of filtered light or morning sun daily indoors. A south or east-facing window is often ideal. Too much direct afternoon sun can cause sun damage and needle discoloration. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even growth and prevent stretching towards a single light source.
Watering Practices
Consistent soil moisture without waterlogging is crucial for Lemon Cypress. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of potting mix feel dry. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil and root rot, while underwatering causes the foliage to become dry and brittle. Monitor soil moisture with a finger test to determine watering frequency.
Ideal Soil Mix
Lemon Cypress prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil mix. A suitable potting mix includes regular potting soil with sand or perlite to enhance drainage and aeration, preventing water accumulation around the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Lemon Cypress prefers cooler to moderate temperatures, ideally 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Extreme heat or freezing temperatures can cause stress. High humidity is important for indoor plants, as dry air leads to browning and brittle needles. Increase humidity by using a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting.
Fertilization Needs
Lemon Cypress has low fertilization requirements and grows well without frequent feeding. If needed, apply a light, half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season (spring through late summer). Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause rapid, uneven growth or root burn. Fertilizing once a year in early spring is sufficient.
Pruning and Shaping
Light pruning maintains the Lemon Cypress’s conical shape and desired size. Snip errant branches and remove any dead or yellowing branches for overall plant health. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth, as conifers do not respond well to hard pruning. Pruning also encourages new growth, which helps maintain the vibrant chartreuse color.
Repotting Your Plant
Repotting Lemon Cypress is needed every two to four years, or when it becomes root-bound, indicated by roots circling inside the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Repot in early spring, before the active growing season. Choose a container only slightly larger (1 to 2 inches wider) with adequate drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix around the root ball.
Troubleshooting Lemon Cypress Issues
Browning needles on a Lemon Cypress can stem from insufficient watering, low humidity, excessive direct sunlight, or root rot caused by overwatering. To address this, ensure the soil is consistently moist but never waterlogged, and increase ambient humidity.
Yellowing needles might indicate overwatering, a nutrient deficiency, or the natural shedding of older foliage. If overwatering is suspected, reduce watering frequency. Leggy or sparse growth suggests insufficient light.
Needle drop often points to environmental stress, such as sudden temperature changes or inadequate light. Moving the plant to a more stable environment with consistent, bright indirect light can alleviate this. Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, which can cause yellow or silvery spots, sticky residue, or white fuzzy masses on branches. Inspect regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap.
Is Lemon Cypress Toxic?
Lemon Cypress is considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets like cats and dogs. However, ingesting any part of the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Keep the plant out of reach of small children and pets to prevent any potential irritation or digestive issues. Some individuals with sensitive skin might experience mild skin irritation upon contact with the foliage.