White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Ericoides'

Water

The Atlantic White Cedar, scientifically named Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Ericoides', should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not saturated. During the growing season, watering approximately once a week with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water is typically adequate, but always check the soil moisture before watering as conditions can vary greatly. In extremely hot or dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter when plant growth slows down. Over-watering can be as harmful as under-watering, so it is crucial to ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Light

The Atlantic White Cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is best to place the plant in a location where it will receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate and adapt to light shade. Avoid deep shade locations as insufficient sunlight can lead to sparse foliage and poor growth.

Temperature

The Atlantic White Cedar is well-adapted to a wide range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate. It can generally tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 100°F, but the ideal temperature range is between 40°F to 70°F for optimal growth.

Pruning

Pruning of the Atlantic White Cedar is not strictly necessary but can be done for shaping purposes. If desired, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to maintain a desired shape and size and can also prevent the spread of any diseases. Pruning every year or every other year is generally sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Atlantic White Cedar 'Ericoides' performs best in evenly moist, acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A soil mix should be well-draining and can be amended with peat moss and sand to maintain moisture while providing good aeration. Mulching is beneficial to retain soil moisture.

Repotting

Atlantic White Cedar 'Ericoides' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil, though mature plants can be repotted less frequently. The best time to repot is in the early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Atlantic White Cedar 'Ericoides' thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions. Maintaining humidity levels of 50-70% is ideal for optimal growth, though it can tolerate lower humidity unlike many other conifers.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light and consistent moisture indoors.

• Outdoor

  Needs full sun to partial shade, regular watering.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Atlantic White Cedar 'Ericoides' (Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Ericoides') begins its life as a seed, often requiring moist, acidic soil conditions to germinate. Once sprouted, the seedling grows through a juvenile stage characterized by rapid vertical growth and the formation of scale-like, bluish-green leaves in dense, fine sprays. As it matures into a sapling, the plant's growth rate may slow, but it continues to develop a conical shape with a somewhat irregular outline. Reaching maturity, the Atlantic White Cedar 'Ericoides' can develop into a small to medium-sized tree with dense, soft, fine-textured foliage that often takes on a gray-green to blue-green hue in the landscape. During the reproductive stage, small, inconspicuous cones are produced, which then release seeds to propagate the next generation. In its final stage, the plant's growth slows significantly and it may be subject to various environmental stresses or diseases, leading potentially to its decline and eventual death.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• Propogation: Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Ericoides', commonly known as Atlantic White Cedar, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is in the late summer to early fall when the new growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long, and the lower needles should be removed to expose a bare stem that can be inserted into a rooting medium. This medium is often a mixture of peat and perlite to provide aeration and moisture retention. The cuttings should be kept under high humidity, which can be achieved by using a misting system or placing plastic covers over the propagation area. Rooting hormone is typically used to encourage root development, applied to the cut stem before planting. Once the cuttings develop a robust root system, they can be potted individually and eventually planted out.