Goldcrest cypress care guide
Cupressus macrocarpa
Also known as: Monterey cypress, Lemon cypress, Wilma Goldcrest
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Goldcrest cypress
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; left too dry, the foliage browns from the tips.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- As it cools the soil dries more slowly, so as a guide wait about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Water less, but dry winter wind still dries the pot; as a guide, water on a mild day once the soil is dry.
Light and placement for Goldcrest cypress
As a guide, keep it outdoors in sun with good airflow; it dislikes hot, humid summers, so give it bright shade out of the afternoon sun then, and it is not suited to living indoors long-term.
Overwintering Goldcrest cypress
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Fairly hardy: it generally overwinters outdoors on the Kanto plain if pots are kept from cold wind and freezing, while a heated room dries and browns the foliage.
Fertilizing and repotting Goldcrest cypress
Fertilizer
It needs little: as a guide, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer around March and October, and none in midsummer.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Goldcrest cypress
- Humid weather from the rainy season through summer browns the interior of the plant.
- Kept indoors as a holiday decoration, it dries out and dies.
- Foliage that has turned brown does not green up again.
Tips for growing Goldcrest cypress
- Trim in spring to early summer while shoots are soft, pinching by hand rather than with metal shears to limit browning of the cuts.
- Cutting into old wood leaves bare patches, so trim only where green foliage remains.
- Thinning crowded branches before the rainy season reduces humidity damage.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
