Yellow Cypress-pine

callitris sulcata

Also known as: ["Yellow Cypress-pine"]

Family: Cupressaceae Genus: Callitris Category: Trees

Overview

A small to medium-sized coniferous tree native to Australia, characterized by its yellowish bark and scale-like leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Callitris
Botanical Name: Callitris sulcata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy or loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective branch removal.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily).

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure good air circulation.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or browning needles, root rot, or slow growth indicate poor soil or site conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; provide shade during extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Allow soil to dry out between waterings; avoid overwatering; water deeply to encourage root growth.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; use a balanced formula.

Propagation

Methods

Seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and stable.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds: 1–3 months to germinate; cuttings: 4–8 weeks to root.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds; keep cuttings moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a bud or branch junction; avoid excessive pruning.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged branches to maintain shape and health.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune deadwood; shape lightly; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim roots if necessary; ensure proper drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause needle drop or browning in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may curl or brown at tips; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; use appropriate fertilizer; dilute if liquid; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Callitris sulcata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Callitris sulcata is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Callitris sulcata may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Callitris sulcata if the soil is poorly drained or excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Callitris sulcata is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a known risk of toxicity to felines through ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant in environments with cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Callitris sulcata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this species.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for keeping this plant in environments with dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Callitris sulcata is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Callitris sulcata suitable for indoor cultivation?

A: No, it is best suited for outdoor landscapes due to its tree-like growth habit.

Q: How fast does Callitris sulcata grow?

A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding several feet in height over a few years.

Q: Does Callitris sulcata require special soil conditions?

A: It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils but can adapt to a range of soil types.

Quick Reference
Family: Cupressaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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