Hinoki Cypress:(Chamaecyparis obtusa), also commonly known as a false cypress or Japanese Cypress because they do not belong to the cypress family of trees, is a renowned variety for Bonsai. Hinoki Cypress is a very unique and rewarding species grown as Bonsai. Its dense growth habit and fern-like tight foliage make this a unique tree with a special character.
Our Hinoki Cypresses are the highly desirable dwarf Thowiel cultivar.
Although this is not a tree recommended for beginners, it is definitely a show stopper. We would not recommend the Hinoki Cypress to someone just starting out in Bonsai, but instead to Bonsai Enthusiasts with a few trees under their belt.
BONSAI CARE
The Hinoki Cypress needs full sun and can be placed anywhere in the garden, but it must be outside until the temperature drops below freezing. Being in a pot, the Hinoki Cypress will require winterizing, and unlike many other varieties, it will still require light. So it should be placed in an unheated greenhouse or sunny enclosed porch for the winter.
Watering:
Training:
YOUNG: 10"-14" tall, comes in a 6" grower's pot.
Mature: 12"-16" tall, comes in a 8" Handmade Ceramic Bonsai pot
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
