Lemon Cypress Christmas Tree: Overview

The Lemon Cypress Christmas Tree (Cupressus macrocarpa) is an adorable evergreen conifer with lime green, flexible, needle-like foliage that gives off a delicate citrus scent. The Lemon Cypress is native to California and belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Also known as Goldcrest Cypress, it is a cultivar of the Monterey Cypress. This beautiful mini cypress is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and can withstand temperatures up to 5°F. 

Many people wonder how big lemon cypress trees get. While a large tree in the wild, an indoor Lemon Cypress tree usually grows to only about 3 ft. tall, making a charming mini Christmas tree. While not a Lemon Cypress bonsai, clipped and pruned to resemble a tiny tree, this conifer mirrors the shape of a full-sized Christmas tree, growing into a bushy, conical shape. This gorgeous evergreen plant is easy to care for and thrives in full sun. The Lemon Cypress tree symbolizes immortality, renewal, hope, and longevity, giving it a meaningful and thoughtful message when given as a gift.

As lovely as it is Lemon Cypress is toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s best to keep it out of their reach or choose a pet-friendly alternative. If you want a small tree this holiday season, explore our mini Christmas tree options, including the graceful and pet-safe Rosemary Spiral Christmas Tree.

Lemon Cypress Tree: Benefits

• Wonderful air-purifying plant that absorbs toxins from the air
• Perfect for festive décor during the holidays
• Easy to care for and beginner-friendly
• Foliage with delicate lemony fragrance
• Unlike a fresh-cut Christmas tree, it’s a lasting live potted Christmas tree that will bring joy for many holiday seasons

Lemon Cypress: Care Guide

Growing a Goldcrest Lemon Cypress is easy, both indoors and outdoors. Follow our Lemon Cypress care tips to keep your plant in perfect shape:

Watering and Humidity

Water your Lemon Cypress when the top few inches of the soil are dry. Ensure you don’t overwater this plant and provide a pot with drainage holes, as it can be susceptible to root rot when left sitting in water. This cypress tree prefers higher humidity indoors. Mist it regularly, or place the pot on a pebble tray to trap moisture and increase air humidity.

Light and Temperature

If you grow your Lemon Cypress tree as an indoor plant, it should receive 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. A Lemon Cypress tree grown outdoors will thrive in full sun. The best indoor temperatures for your Cypress are 60℉ - 62℉. This tree can tolerate low temperatures, up to 5°F when grown outdoors.

Soil and Repotting

One of the Lemon Cypress tree benefits is that it’s not fussy regarding the type of soil it grows in. The most important factor is that the potting mix should drain well. Repot your Lemon Cypress once every two years or when it gets rootbound. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes, and water the plant well before repotting. In climates where the night temperatures don’t fall below 5°F, you can plant your Cypress tree in the garden.

Feeding and Propagation

Feed your Lemon Cypress topiary with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The easiest Lemon Cypress propagation method is from healthy cuttings. Take several 6-inch cuttings with leaf nodes, remove the lower foliage, and plant in moist, well-draining soil.

Pruning and Common Issues

Lemon Cypress trees don’t require too much pruning when grown indoors. Trim off dry or dead branches, and prune lightly to retain the desired shape.

Branch tips can turn brown after pruning, but will soon be covered by new growth. If your plant’s foliage starts getting brown and dry, consider lowering the indoor temperature and increasing humidity. Check for pests like aphids or mealybugs regularly, and use an organic insecticide if needed.

Lemon Cypress Christmas Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

A dwarf Lemon Cypress tree makes a spectacular holiday plant for your home or office; combine it with other fresh Christmas greenery, like our Holiday Wreath, Fresh Cedar Garland, Cedar Centerpiece, or Candle Ring for a complete festive look.

Best Locations & Uses

• Beautiful and small potted Christmas tree for festive decoration
• Perfect centerpiece plant for your living room
• Ideal for outdoor placement after the holiday season in warmer climates
• Ideal for people without pets
• Great holiday gift plant with long-lasting value

Companion Plants

Consider these beautiful holiday plants to decorate your space this holiday season:

• Pink Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): The magnificent Pink Christmas Cactus is a tropical succulent plant with salmon pink blooms and flat, segmented leaves that store water, making it a perfect low-maintenance plant.
• Red Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima): A beloved traditional Christmas plant, the Red Poinsettia stands out in any setting with its bright red, joyful flowers that resemble a star.
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): A popular indoor flower, the delicately scented Peace Lily is an easy-care plant, known for its excellent air-filtering properties.

Alternative Plants

Other beautiful small Christmas trees to consider for your holidays include:

• Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla): A popular alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, the Norfolk Island Pine Christmas Tree is charming and easy to care for; its feathery branches give off a festive pine scent.  
• Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree (Cuprocyparis leylandii): The beautiful Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree is pet-friendly and low-maintenance, and its rich green foliage makes a gorgeous backdrop for festive décor.
• European Cypress Christmas Tree (Cupressus sempervirens): Native to the Mediterranean region, the fabulous European Cypress Christmas Tree has dark green foliage and an elegant, column-like shape.

Order Your Lemon Cypress Christmas Tree From Lively Root

Enhance your holiday décor with a lovely Lemon Cypress Christmas tree from Lively Root!