Happy Urban Dirt

Have you ever heard of the totem cypress? Do you know what variety of cypress this is and how to care for it? It is one of the plants with the highest yield and presence, used primarily to create paths or to separate and create a privacy blanket between houses.

But what do you know about this plant? We’ll talk about it below and give you the keys so you can take care of it in the best way possible. Shall we start?

How is the totem cypress

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Totem cypress is also known as Cupressus sempervirens totem or Italian cypress. And this surname refers to its origin, as it is widespread in the meadows of Italian Tuscany. In this country, they are often used to mark entrance paths in residences. And it’s not for less.

You will find a cypress with a columnar and compact shape. It grows vertically and gradually expands until it becomes quite a vast and handsome specimen. (but it does not develop branches that cause it to expand in width, but only vertically.

It grows quite slowly, although the only thing it achieves is that its price is usually higher than other cypress trees. And that’s it obtaining specimens that are quite vast and already developed means that this has taken many years to achieveand hence it is more exorbitant than other plants of the same species.

Another feature of the totem cypress is that it barely develops seeds. This means that it will have very few balls from which to extract the seeds, so they hardly stand out and do not retain their aesthetics.

The leaves are coniferous and intensely green., hence it attracts a lot of attention in gardens and even in a pot. Although the ideal would be to plant it in the ground so that it can develop properly.

Totem cypress care

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Now that you know the totem cypress a little better, Would you dare to have it in your garden? It is true that we are talking about a cypress and therefore you need to be careful with the roots so that they are not in places where they could damage surfaces or even foundations, but apart from that it is a plant that does not cause many problems. On the contrary, if you give it proper care, it will grow very well, slowly but well.

And what are these concerns? We talk about them below.

location and temperature

As we have already said, totem cypress is a plant whose best place to grow is outdoors. This means that it will be better planted in the ground than in a pot.although you can have it inside you (though it won’t grow as much as it should).

As for the location, it will depend on the weather. For example, if you live in an area with extreme heat (and a moderately heated climate) It would be better if you placed it in a partially shaded place.especially where the sun did not shine during peak rainfall hours.

However, if you live in an area with a frosty climate, you can easily expose it to full sun.

As for temperatures, as long as they don’t drop below -10°C, they will hold up quite well.and the same at the other end, supporting the high ones. Moreover, it can be placed near the sea or in places with high salinity, because it also adapts and works well.

Subsoil

Like many other plants, totem cypress needs a draining soil. Much more drainage actually, as it does not tolerate watering at all, and one way to prevent this (besides watering a little) is to provide additional drainage to the soil you utilize so that water does not accumulate.

It is not overly demanding, taking into account the type of soil it should be given, the so-called it will be good if you provide it with universal soil with additional drainage.

Of course, you will need to repot it every five years or so, or when you see roots starting to emerge from the bottom.

Irrigation

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If you have read all of the above, you will have noticed that the irrigation required by totem cypress is not plentiful or repeated. It tolerates drought well if it gets used to it. (if you just bought it, it’s normal that this doesn’t happen).

So only water when you see that the soil is arid enough. You don’t need to water much, just enough nourishment.

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Although the totem cypress is not a needy plant, if you give it one it can stimulate it, at least for the first few years, because you will facilitate it grow to a height more quickly. This is why, Starting in spring, apply granulated fertilizer around the trunk.

It’s vital to remember that we’re talking about a long-lasting fertilizer, so once you add it, it will be more than enough. Now, if you notice it wearing off quickly, you can reapply it every month, up to three times.

Plagues and diseases

Don’t trust the totem cypress because, like other cypresses, it has many pests and diseases that can kill it.

The most vital pests include the white mealybugas well as dried cypress or borers.

In the case of diseases, most are related to excess water, but Phytophthora also affects the sap of trees.

Multiplication

Finally, when it comes to reproduction, the only way to achieve this is through seeds. A technique for greater germination success is to collect seeds in winter, put them in a container with peat and moisture and put them in the fridge (they need to go through a period of frost to go further).

Having a totem cypress in your garden can give it a more majestic look while maintaining the privacy of your home. You just need to be careful about what it needs and be patient because it doesn’t grow as much as other cypresses. Would you dare to plant it in your home?