The cypress is an undemanding plant, but mistakes in care can seriously affect it. The plant is also not immune to pests. The basic rule is: intervene immediately to protect the plant.
The cypress (Cupressus) is formative for Mediterranean landscapes and determines the landscape in Tuscany and other Mediterranean regions. The evergreen trees have different growth forms and are characterized by rapid and lush growth.
Some types of cypress are true survivors and also grow in dry and impassable mountain regions. The cypresses that can be found outdoors or in tubs in Central Europe also prove to be quite undemanding. If diseases and pests occur, quick action is required so that the plant can be preserved. There is also a lot that can be done preventively so that the enjoyment of the plants, which provide southern charm, is not spoiled.
It's easy - caring for cypresses properly
The cypress is an undemanding plant and also suitable for the rather inexperienced hobby gardener. A sandy, humus-rich soil provides the preferred site conditions. The biggest care mistake is insufficient watering. The plant needs sufficient water not only in hot summers, but also in winter.
Water, the elixir of life
Regular watering is essential for the cypress. The need for water increases when the plants get a draughty location. The wind leads to increased soil dryness. This can be counteracted by applying a layer of mulch. Hardy cypress trees withstand cold temperatures, but die of thirst if not watered sufficiently.
» Tip: A drainage layer of potsherds or pebbles protects potted plants from the dreaded waterlogging.
❍ Possible diseases of cypress trees
Brown Spots
If cypresses are not watered enough, brown spots will quickly appear. If the brown spots appear more frequently in spring, this is usually due to the winter conditions being too dry. If brown spots appear, the plant shouldcloser scrutiny, because fungal infections or pest infestations can also be noticed by the formation of brown spots.
Warning: Brown spots on cypresses will not disappear through increased watering. A radical pruning cannot be avoided.
Fungus
Brown spots on cypress trees can also indicate fungal infestation. This is particularly often the case when the brown spots continue from the inside to the tips of the shoots. Fast action is now required. It is important to find out the type of fungus and to initiate appropriate measures to combat the fungus.
» Phytophthora cinnamomi - Danger for the roots
In addition to cypresses, this type of fungus also affects juniper, thuja, azaleas and rhododendrons. More than 900 different plant species belong to the host circle of this soil-borne fungus. The cypress is infected via the root, which initially goes unnoticed. The fungus spreads preferably at summer temperatures above 25 degrees. Sufficient moisture also promotes the germination of the spores. The fungus multiplies quite quickly within the plant. Brown spots appear and individual shoots begin to die off.
Warning: There is a possibility of confusion with the thuja miner moth or the juniper miner moth.
Sick plants should be removed immediately. If the cypress is dug up, the fungal infestation can be easily recognized by the brown root balls.
What can be done to prevent it?
❶ Avoid waterlogging
❷ Loose soil
❸ Lay drainage
❹ Use plant strengtheners
» Kabatina Thujae - danger for bastard cypresses
This fungus not only attacks the arborvitae that gives it its name, but also occurs on Leyland cypresses. The occurrence of the micro fungus favors a nutrient-poor soil. A lack of magnesium and calcium in particular can contribute to fungal infestation. Infested cypresses can be recognized by the yellow-brown discoloration of the needles. The bark on affected shoots is very brown. The formation of black pustules also indicates affected shoots. In later stages, the pustules can also break open.
What action is required?
❶ Remove infested parts of the plant
❷ Thin out plants that are too dense
❸ Ensure a balanced supply of nutrients
❹ Control the fungus with Ortiva, Dithane or other fungicides
❍ Cypress pest infestation
Also the otherwise rightundemanding cypress can occasionally be attacked by pests.
Cypresses are mainly infested with pests from:
- miner moths
- Bark beetles or mealybugs displayed.
Miner moths - a double threat to plants
False cypress can be attacked by the juniper leaf miner or the thuja leaf moth. Both species are small butterflies, about five millimeters in size, reminiscent of moths. Differences are to be found in the life cycle of both species.
In both species, the eggs are laid in the leaf scales of the plants. After hatching, the larvae bore into the tips of the shoots and begin to hollow them out. In these periods, the pest infestation can be easily detected by shaking the plants. Then a brief rest of the moths can be observed. On closer inspection, the infestation can also be seen in the brown discoloration of the shoot tips. Damaged twigs are hollowed out inside and black crumbs can be seen, these come from the excrement of the moth.
Warning: Fungal infestation also shows similar signs, but plants damaged by fungi are not characterized by hollowed shoots.
An infestation with leaf miners is usually well tolerated by he althy and regularly pruned plants. If the infestation is particularly large, commercially available preparations against biting insects can be used. The foliage, which is attacked by larvae, is generously cut out. Waste should not end up in the compost. Stow the affected parts of the plant airtight in plastic bags and dispose of them with household waste.
For prevention, the plant can be covered. The trade offers pheromone traps. These attract males willing to mate, which get caught in the sticky traps. Although these traps are not 100% protection against pest infestation, they do provide information as to whether an infestation is indicated and how high the potential risk is. The hobby gardener can take appropriate countermeasures at an early stage. The traps should be left in the plants until autumn, as the pests produce offspring three to four times a year.
If the traps indicate an infestation, quick action is required:
❶ remove parts of the plant that are already affected
❷ check the plant regularly
❸ burn infected leaves or dispose of them in airtight packaging
❹ cover the plant with a close-meshed net
Bark Beetle - Deathblow forCypresses
Bark beetles are the greatest threat to cypress trees in our gardens. The black beetles, which are only about two millimeters in size, begin to hatch in late spring. First, the bark beetle satisfies its hunger on the young shoots.
This so-called ripening damage can be seen in brown shoots of different lengths, which appear kinked. The culprits can often be identified at the kinks. This damage can easily be confused with a shoot dieback of the plant due to insufficient watering or frost damage after the winter.
Opi-laying in the bark of the plants follows after the maturation feeding. After hatching, the larvae create extensive feeding tunnels. The entire plant dies. The holes, about the size of a pinhead, can be seen on the branches. If an incision is made in the bark, the feeding passages created by the larvae are clearly visible. The bark beetle can destroy entire forest stands. Taking action against the bark beetle in your home garden is hopeless. Infested plants should be removed immediately.
How do you recognize a bark beetle infestation?
- Drill dust at the end of the trunk
- Cypresses lose their bark
- brown knots
- Death of the entire plant
Cypress Crab
The cypress canker is triggered by fungal infestation. Affected plants can be recognized by a conspicuous yellowing and red coloring of the branches. At a later stage, the branches dry up. The bark also shows discoloration and breaks open at a later stage of the disease. The spread of the fungus is favored by rain and wind. Plants that are particularly drafty or have injuries are particularly susceptible.
What to do?
❶ Completely remove infested plant parts
❷ Supply interfaces with benzimidazoles
❸ Disinfect all tools used with alcohol
How to prevent diseases and pests on cypress trees?
- water regularly
- ensure sufficient moisture even in winter
- Avoid waterlogging
- Remove brown shoots regularly
- do not cut old wood
- Fertilize with compost or conifer fertilizer
- Provide older plants with Epsom s alts to avoid magnesium deficiency
- check regularly for fungal or pest infestation