Monterey Cypress (Hesperocyparis Macrocarpa) Sapling-Pinch, Clip, What??

[Firstflush]

I’m so pleased with this tree. Central California phenotype. I obtained it as 2 inch plant from beneath a huge Mamma.
People that know nothing about plants or bonsai say wow, now that’s purty!

The goal is to train and grow this into a specimen with minimal scars and in a healthy manner.

If you are willing to give some guidance, I would be grateful. I’m currently taking some tips off, down/upward growing branching and keeping the tree balanced by opening the denser innards letting light in.

Is this the correct methodology?

 

[rollwithak]

A central California phenotype for Monterey Cypress huh!? That is super interesting as I thought these puppies were eventually doomed in the Central Cali heat. I have some 3 month old plants that I grew from seed here in central california, but these were some cones that I took from a tree that was actually down by The Lone Cypress in Monterey.

 

[Firstflush]

Central coast..

Anybody with experience on these?

 

[rollwithak]

Central coast..

Anybody with experience on these?

Not that I’ve noticed. I started propagating these before I realized that they wouldn’t do well here in Fresno, Ca. Doesn’t seem like a tree many people are very interested in for bonsai. I’ll probably end up seeing if anyone wants these or taking them to the coast and planting them.

 

[MrWunderful]

You sure thats a Monterey cypress? I have one in my backyard and never seen juvenile-style foliage like that. Even the wild seedlings I see have scale foliage, and they grow natural here.

 

[Firstflush]

Yes, I’m on the coast. They truly are magnificent.
The owner of the excellent podcast Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t probly take them from you. He is In Oakland and does a bunch of gorilla gardening.

 

[rollwithak]

You sure thats a Monterey cypress? I have one in my backyard and never seen juvenile-style foliage like that. Even the wild seedlings I see have scale foliage, and they grow natural here.

Well I’m 100% positive mine is Monterey Cypress and his looks very similar to mine so I’d say I think his is too.

 

[MrWunderful]

Yes, I’m on the coast. They truly are magnificent.
The owner of the excellent podcast Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t probly take them from you. He is In Oakland and does a bunch of gorilla gardening.

He can come take them, I live right near thousands of acres of them.

And if you guys are sure I will have to keep my eyes open for that needle foliage.

 

[Firstflush]

I am pretty sure...I guess anything is possible though. It came from below a gigantic parent.
What do you think it is?

 

[casun]

Anybody with experience on these?

No experience yet but I’ll watch this thread. They’re on the very short list of my favorite trees.

 

[Firstflush]

Roll....you think about doing a large forest planting. You could probably pull it off if you have a spot with afternoon shade and mist during really hot times.

 

[hemmy]

Is this the correct methodology?

Have you seen Eric’s blog? It probably has the most info on these trees that he started from seed. Although, not much info on getting your tree from yours to that final thickness with primary branching in place.

Phutu.com » One Monterey Cypress

phutu.com

As he states, they thicken in the ground quickly. I had two of the 3 gallon nursery variety from Kimura’s. I left one in it’s can and it didn’t make it. The other went into the ground and is in an Anderson flat now.

If you can’t grow in the ground, I’d use a box or Anderson flat with escape roots. I’d wire for shape and identify your sacrifice branches early. Mine thickened the trunk from extension of the sacrifice, but you might be able to thicken with multiple sacrifice branches. The challenge will be having enough sacrifice branches while preserving branches for final design. Maybe trunk line changes with new leaders and make the cut when they are smaller to heal more easily. I think you are on the right track thining for light penetration as they don’t seem to back bud easily. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

 

[Firstflush]

Thanks. I saw that a while back. Appreciated.

 

[yamadoriboi]

Revitalizing this old post! @rollwithak I can't even believe that those plants from seed were only 3 months old and that size! I collected mine (various sizes 1/2"-3") mid Feb 2024. Now July 30 2024 my largest is only 8 inches or so. How did you push so much growth!?

 

[rollwithak]

Revitalizing this old post! @rollwithak I can't even believe that those plants from seed were only 3 months old and that size! I collected mine (various sizes 1/2"-3") mid Feb 2024. Now July 30 2024 my largest is only 8 inches or so. How did you push so much growth!?

Controlled environment and had some good nutrients!!! Your babies look promising! Have fun with them!!!