Source_Plants of Catalonia
Have you ever heard of the totem cypress? Do you know what type of cypress it is and how to take care of it? It is one of the most carrying and present plants, used above all for paths or to divide and create a blanket of privacy between houses.
But what do you know about this plant? Below we talk about it and we give you the keys so that you can take care of it in the best possible way. Shall we start?
How is the totem cypress
Source_ Plantyserv
The totem cypress is also known as the totem Cupressus sempervirens or Italian cypress. And this last name refers to its origin, since it is widespread in the meadows of Italian Tuscany. In fact, in this country, they are often used to delimit the entrance ways in the mansions. And it’s not for less.
You will find a cypress that has a columnar and compact shape. It grows vertically and gradually widens until it becomes a fairly large and handsome specimen. (but it does not develop branches that make it expand in width, but only vertically.
It is fairly slow growing, although the only thing it realizes is that its price is usually higher than that of other cypresses. And it is that obtaining fairly large and already developed specimens implies that many years have passed to achieve thisand therefore it is more expensive than in other plants of the same species.
Another characteristic of the totem cypress is that it develops few seeds. That is, it will have very few balls from which to extract the seeds, so they will hardly stand out and retain their aesthetics.
In the case of the leaves, these are needle-shaped and intense green., hence it attracts much attention in gardens, and even to have it in a pot. Although the ideal would be to plant it in the ground so that it can develop properly.
Totem Cypress Care
Source_Plantamus
Now that you know the totem cypress a little better, Would you dare to have some in your garden? It is true that we are talking about a cypress, and therefore we must pay attention to the roots and that they are not in areas where they could damage surfaces or even foundations, but beyond that, it is a plant that does not cause many problems. On the contrary, if you give it the care it needs, it will grow very well, slowly, but well.
And what are these concerns? We talk about it below.
location and temperature
As we have already told you, the totem cypress is a plant whose best location is outdoors. This implies that it will be better planted in the ground than in a pot.although you can have him in it (although he doesn’t grow as much as he should).
As for its location, it will depend on the weather you will have. For example, if you live in an area of extreme heat (and warm temperate climate) It would be best to place it in a partially shaded place.especially where the sun has not reached the hours of greatest incidence.
If, on the other hand, you live in a region with a cold climate, you can easily put it in full sun.
Regarding the temperatures, as long as they do not drop below -10°C, it will resist you rather well., and the same at the opposite end, supporting the higher ones. In addition, you can place it near the sea or in areas with high salinity, because it also adapts and works well.
Substrate
Like many other plants, the totem cypress needs a draining substrate. In fact, a lot more drainage because it does not tolerate waterlogging at all and one of the ways to prevent it (apart from watering little), is that the soil you use has extra drainage so that the water does not accumulate.
It is not excessively demanding with the type of soil you have to give it, so it will be good if you give it a universal soil with additional drainage.
Of course, in a pot, you will need to transplant it every five years or so, or when you see that the roots are starting to appear from below.
Irrigation
Source_Plantamus
If you have read all of the above, you will have noticed that the irrigation required by the totem cypress is neither abundant nor frequent. It tolerates drought well once accustomed. (if you just bought it, it is normal that this is not the case).
Only water when you see that the soil is dry enough. You don’t need to water much, just enough to feed it.
Subscriber
Although the totem cypress is not a plant that requires a subscriber, if you give it some, it will be able to stimulate it, at least in the first years, since you will help it to reach a meter in height more quickly. For that, In the spring, apply a granular fertilizer around the trunk.
Keep in mind that we are talking about a fertilizer that will last over time, so once you add it, it will be more than enough. However, if you notice that it is consumed quickly, you can reapply it a month up to a maximum of three times.
Plagues and diseases
Do not trust the totem cypress because, like other cypresses, it also has many pests and diseases that can kill it.
Among the most important pests are the white cochinealas well as the dryness of cypress or borers.
In the case of diseases, most are related to excess water, but Phytophthora can also act, which affects tree sap.
Multiplication
Finally, in terms of reproduction, the only way to do this is by seed. A technique for more successful germination is to collect the seeds in winter, put them in a container with peat and moisture, and put them like that in the fridge (they need to go through a cold period to get ahead later).
Having a totem cypress in your garden can help give it a more majestic appearance while maintaining the privacy of your home. You just have to pay attention to what it needs and be patient because it does not grow as much as other cypresses. Do you dare to plant some at home?