How to Grow Silver Cypress Bonsai

There are several types of cypress bonsai trees, but one variety -- the star cypress -- features small, silvery leaves. Star cypress bonsai trees make eclectic lawn decor as they are miniature versions of the cypresses found in swampy regions. Bonsai trees can be grown in pots in the home or yard and need to be regularly pruned to maintain their sculpted shapes. Cypress bonsai require more water than other types of bonsai trees, and they need plenty of sunlight to thrive.

Unglazed planting pot with a large drainage hole
Coarse, fast-draining soil
Houseplant fertilizer
Concave plant cutter

Instructions

- 1
  Place your silver cypress bonsai into an 8- to 10-inch unglazed planting pot that has a large drainage hole. Fill the pot with coarse, fast-draining soil and pack it evenly around the tree.
- 2
  Check the tree's moisture level daily and water it until the top of the soil is dry. During the fall and winter months, the plant will require less frequent watering. Create a bonsai tree fertilizer by diluting regular houseplant fertilizer with water so that it's half the strength. Fertilize the tree regularly during the spring and summer months, which are times of rapid growth; you don't need to fertilize the tree at all during the winter.
- 3
  Place your bonsai tree in an area of your yard that receives full sun. Prune the bonsai tree by either pinching the foliage off with your fingers or using a concave plant cutter. Prune the tree's foliage at the same time that you prune its roots to ensure an equal balance throughout the plant.
- 4
  Re-pot the bonsai tree every two to three years to encourage growth.

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