Italian Cypress

[SAGibson]

I have a cypress trio from Bonsai Boy that I've had since May 22. I have a routine watering schedule for it, as well as a meter to gauge the plant's soil moisture content. Since they've been described as indoor plants, I placed them in front of a western-facing window. And I've occasionally placed them outside as well.

However, yesterday, (June 22), I found that the two smaller trees' needles were very scratchy and dry. The larger tree's needles were still soft, but it too had needles that were dry. I had just watered them, so I put the trio outdoors overnight. Much to my relief, the needles were soft the following morning. Apparently, they weren't getting the humidity they needed. I live in Houston, Texas, so there's humidity to be had, while A/C is a must, especially this time of year.

My question is can I have my trees indoors during the day and put them out overnight so they can get the humidity they need?

 

[timetravel_0]

They're definitely outdoor trees. They should be outside year round, and all day too.

Things like Ficus and Schefflera can be kept indoors, but your Cypress trees will likely perish.

 

[Dav4]

Yep...trees evolved without AC and don't need it...even in Houston.

 

[GrimLore]

My question is can I have my trees indoors during the day and put them out overnight so they can get the humidity they need?

No! The Cupressus sempervirens is not a indoor plant no matter what those knuckleheads told you They stay outdoors here and Winter well covered in snow. For certain if you keep them potted you will need to carefully thin out the inner branching and lower branching to allow light and air inside or they will do as you said they are. They require a bit of maintenance but properly trimmed can look pretty nice.

Grimmy

 

[SAGibson]

Thanks so much! I guess I will have to get a nice little stand for them to stay outside.

Now, while it's usually warm here, we do get occasional cold snaps during the winter. Since Italian cypresses are native to the Mediterranean, would covering them do the trick for warmth, or should I bring them inside as I do my aloe vera when it's cold?

 

[GrimLore]

Since Italian cypresses are native to the Mediterranean

They are cold tolerant to USDA zone 7 and ours do fine in 6b so look it up perhaps. Your cold snaps are a lot different then our winter and not certain how you guys/gals handle them there.

Grimmy

 

[Giga]

Also for future reference avoid bonsaiboy at all cost, They are overpriced, misinformed, bad stock and so on.