Lemon Cypress

(Question)

attached BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES

Hello! We are east facing condo. We live right here in Toronto.

We first bought our lemon cypress mid May. The plant was very dark, lush, vibrant green. (It was almost as if it was a bright neon green).

After almost 2 months now, we noticed the plant has lost it’s deep bright green, and has turned into a faded light dull yellow. Would you know how to continue to obtain the dark green color again? We hope our plant is not dying. I wonder if the nursery that we bought the plant had used something to maintain the green color?

(Answer)

Your lemon cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) likely needs more direct sunlight that it receives in your east facing window to maintain its vibrant colour and its overall vitality.  Most experts say that lemon cypress should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily to thrive, and the plant should be turned regularly to ensure all sides receive sunlight.  These long hours of sunlight are best achieved indoors in south or less ideally, west facing windows.

The lemon cypress prefers cooler temperatures indoors, and should be watered when the top couple of inches of soil are dry to the touch.

It is worth contacting the nursery where you bought the plant to determine their return/refund policy because of the rapidity with which this plant has faded. It is unlikely that the nursery did anything to enhance its colour, although it is possible that there have been underlying conditions of “transplant shock” – that is, the stress that plants may experience in being moved from one location or set of growing conditions to another – that have weakened its ability to thrive.  The fact that your lemon cypress’s leaves have faded is most likely an indication that it is not receiving enough sunlight.