How to grow Hinoki Cypress Bonsai tree

Hinoki Cypress Bonsai tree:

In nature, hinoki cypress has a flame-shaped profile, but as a tree reaches maturity, it adopts a broad, almost domed appearance with clouds of foliage supported above branches. The scale-like leaves are edged with silvery blue and the shoots curls inward at the tips. 

Hinoki Cypress Bonsai tree (Source: Bonsai Empire)

Where to keep hinoki cypress:

Although tolerant of the hot sun in the wild, in containers hinoki cypress are happier in semi-shade during the hottest months. Hinoki can withstand frozen roots for considerable periods, provided the tree is not exposed to drying winds. The waxy coating provides some protection against wind, but not enough for containerized plants. It does, however, help the foliage to appear healthy long after the tree has died.

Repotting:

Every two to three years in mid-spring, older specimens every five years. Use standard soil mix. Akadama can be used if you can guarantee never to let it dry out.

Pruning:

Prune branches and thin old twigs in summer, when wounds will heal easily and any knocked off the foliage will regrow quickly. All dead leaves and shoots should be cleaned away and the central spine of all clusters of shoots cut back to two healthy side shoots. Failure to do this will lead to long, meandering branches with tufts of green at the tips. Congested foliage is also perfect for red spider mites, which can devastate a tree in just a few weeks.

Pinching:

Pinch out the growing tips of all shoots as soon as they begin to overextend and spoil the tree outline. The dense. Compact shoots rapidly form clouds of foliage, which must be regularly pinched during the growing season.

Watering:

Hinoki cypress will not tolerate dry roots, and once they have been damaged by drought, they rarely recover. Water well all year, especially in summer, and avoid waterlogging.

Feeding:

The balanced feed from spring until late summer, nitrogen-free in early autumn. A dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in winter will prepare for spring. Apply all at half strength.

Beware!: The fans of foliage on hinoki cypress are very easily dislodged when wiring or thinning out old twigs, so handle with care.

Reference:

1. Basics of Bonsai by Colin Lewis.