Cupressus sempervirens aka Mediterranean Cypress

Taxonomy

Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as Mediterranean cypress, Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, or pencil pine, is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, in northeast Libya, southern Albania, southern and coastal Bulgaria, southern Ukraine (Crimea), coastal Croatia and Slovenia, southern Montenegro, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, southwestern North Macedonia, southern Greece, southern Turkey, Cyprus, northern Egypt, western Syria, Lebanon, Malta, Italy, southern France, Spain, Palestine, Jordan, South Caucasus, and also a disjunct population in Iran. This Mediterranean native evergreen is a durable choice for creating a dramatic vertical line in the landscape and is often used as an ornamental tree or houseplant that does best in long-lasting, direct light and soil that is well-draining. Mediterranean cypress is easy to care for and needs regular watering, with fertilizers being unnecessary as long as the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Mediterranean Cypress, Italian Cypress, Common Cypress

How to care for Mediterranean Cypress

Difficulty

Mediterranean Cypress presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Mediterranean Cypress should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mediterranean Cypress loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Mediterranean Cypress thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Common Cypress.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Mediterranean Cypress is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mediterranean Cypress’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia