This miniature Christmas tree has flattened sprays of gray-green foliage on slender, upright branches. The Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), also sold as a cypress Christmas tree, is a fast grower that can add 24 to 48 inches in a year in the right conditions. Decorate it this December, plant it outside in spring, and watch it grow into a full-size tree.
Cupressus x leylandii Care Guide
Full direct sun outside (6-8 hrs.) Indoors bright direct sun.
Water when the soil dries out thoroughly.
Humidity levels need to be between 45-55%. Spritz daily and add extra humidity.
Indoors: 55-80°F
Air circulation is important to prevent mold and mildew spores from forming on the leaves.
Hardy outdoors to USDA zone 6 once planted in the ground. Keep the potted tree in bright, direct sun indoors through winter.
Fertilize once a year in spring.
Repot infrequently since you may cause shock. Use well-draining soil mix.
Trim lightly to keep the shape, and remove brown or dead branches.
Take 4- to 6-inch semi-hardwood cuttings. Strip the lower needles, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and set them in a moist, well-draining mix. Cover loosely with a clear plastic bag and keep in bright, indirect light. Rooting can take several months; pot up once new growth appears.
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Cypress Christmas Tree Care & Buying Guide
Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree: Overview
The Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree (Cuprocyparis leylandii) is an evergreen tree with soft, feathery foliage in a rich green shade. It adds natural elegance to any space. With its dense, upright growth, this plant is perfect as a potted Christmas tree, ideal for brightening up homes, porches, or office spaces during the holidays.
A hybrid of Monterey cypress and Alaska cedar (also called Nootka cypress), it belongs to the Cupressaceae family and is hardy to USDA zone 6. The potted tree stays small indoors, but planted outside it becomes a large, fast-growing tree. The Leyland Cypress is easy to care for, requiring well-draining soil, low water, high humidity, and 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Symbolizing warmth and festivity, the Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for households with animals. To enhance your festive display even more, consider pairing it with a holiday wreath, cedar garland, and Christmas table centerpiece.
Leyland Cypress Tree: Benefits
- Festive decor during the holidays
- Easy to care for with minimal maintenance
- Pet-friendly small Christmas tree plant option
- Unlike a fresh-cut Christmas tree, this live Leyland cypress can be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come
From Christmas Tree to Garden Tree
Our Leyland Cypress arrives as a Medium tree in a 6-inch grower pot, ready to decorate as a small live Christmas tree. Keep it in bright light, water when the soil starts to dry, and keep it away from heaters and drafts, which brown the foliage.
After the holidays, Leyland cypress does best outdoors. Keep it in your brightest window until spring, then set it outside a few hours a day for a week or two before planting it in full sun and well-draining soil. In the ground it grows fast and is hardy to USDA zone 6, so give it plenty of room.
Shop more potted Christmas trees, send a fresh-cut Christmas tree, or browse the holiday collection.
Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
The Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree brings holiday charm to any indoor, outdoor, or porch space. For more festive options, check out our many holiday plants and consider the 4-pack Mini Leyland Cypress Christmas Trees as the perfect gift for friends and family to keep the joy alive season after season.
Best Locations & Uses
- Ideal as a festive decoration for any room, adding seasonal charm
- A stunning centerpiece plant for the living room during the holidays
- Great for placing outdoors after the holiday season, as it withstands colder weather and frost
- Perfect for porches and entryways to welcome guests
- Suitable for people looking for a long-lasting, easy-care holiday tree
Companion Plants
Consider pairing your Leyland Cypress with these companion plants to decorate your space this holiday season.
- Pink Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): The Pink Christmas Cactus adds a touch of color with its vibrant, festive blooms that complement the deep green of the Cypress.
- Aglaonema Red Siam (Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Siam’): Aglaonema Red Siam brings a pop of red and lush foliage, enhancing the seasonal ambiance.
- Red Lip Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.): The Red Lip Orchid offers elegance with its striking red and white blooms, perfect for a sophisticated holiday display.
Alternative Plants
If you’re looking for alternative holiday trees, consider these options from Lively Root.
- Norfolk Island Pine Christmas Tree (Araucaria heterophylla): The Norfolk Island Pine is a classic choice with soft, layered branches that can be adorned with holiday lights for a festive touch.
- Rosemary Christmas Tree (Rosmarinus officinalis): The Rosemary Christmas Tree offers a delightful scent and can be decorated with holiday lights to enhance your seasonal décor.
Get a Leyland Cypress Christmas Tree From Lively Root
Bring home a Leyland cypress, a potted Christmas tree that offers beauty for many holidays to come. Explore more holiday plants.
