Bald Cypress as BonsaiBald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) bonsai, is especially popular in the southeastern areas of the United States where it is most common in the wild.
Bald Cypress and Pond cypress are very similar. In nature, where the two are growing near each other, they often hybridize. Therefore, identification can be difficult. Although both are conifers, these Taxodium are deciduous -- they lose leaves in winter. (The Larch is also a deciduous conifer.) Those who live near swampy areas, have an opportunity to collect cypress bonsai from the wild. In South Florida, they are often old, natural dwarf trees. When collecting, cypress are everywhere, however it may take a long time to find that special one for bonsai. Winter is the perfect time to see cypress in their natural habitat ... the trees are bare, and no mosquitoes (well, almost.) In the Everglades National Park there is a large area of natural dwarfs for viewing – NO collecting there! 
There are other areas outside of the park where bald cypress bonsai treasures can still be found. Park boundaries are not always obvious, and the fines are steep. If you decide to go collecting, make sure you know where you are! Going from the wild to being a bald cypress bonsai takes time. Trees in the swamp are a far cry from a refined bonsai in a pot. Collecting areas in Louisiana are more available, but often more difficult. This cypress bonsai by Guy Guidry, (Northshore Bonsai, LA) has the touch of a true bonsai artist ... a person who not only knows bonsai, but who also knows trees. TimingWhether you are collecting a new plant or working on cypress bonsai roots, the best time is when it is dormant. Once it is fully leafed out, there is a good chance of losing the tree through root pruning. Put cypress on your list of 'winter things-to-do.'Cypress Bonsai ProblemsAlthough relatively care free, as with any plant, cypress bonsai trees can have pests. If you get leaf galls, it is only an appearance problem - just cut them off.
Less visible are the mites. Red spider mites may show up, especially in summer. In the fall you may see dinginess from spruce mites. Bad cases of mites are indicated by webbing. Instead of chemicals, spraying the plant with a steady forceful stream of water from a hose twice a week can greatly reduce the mite population and help conserve the natural predators. "Flat Top"
By observing any trees in nature we can learn a lot about bonsai styling. When a bald cypress is young, it has a pyramidal shape, as it ages the top tends to flatten. This tree is an example of Vaughn's work in the national collection, Washington, D.C. Photo is link. Many Cypress bonsai growers remove all the fall damaged leaves and have one last beautiful growth of green before winter sets in. At the very least once every winter check cypress bonsai roots for root mealy bugs. They look similar to a good fungus known as mycorrhiza. Root mealy bugs move -- mycorrhiza does not!. Because they often go unnoticed, these pests can kill your bald cypress bonsai. Another Taxodium
The Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum), although it looks similar, differs in many ways. The leaves of T. distichum drop in the fall or early winter, and don't return until spring. The T. mucronatum loses foliage in the "dry season" - which varies by location. And then, it's usually for a brief time. Sometimes it will shed old and gain new leaves simultaneously. Although considered a "swamp cypress", it usually is found along the banks, as opposed to growing in the water. This Montezuma cypress was John Naka's first bonsai tree. The photo is courtesy of Cheryl Manning. Cheryl knew John Naka well and has some wonderful stories and treasured early photos of him and his trees. By clicking on this black and white photo you can visit her site and read more Naka san stories. Have you seen the Bald Cypress bonsai knees article?
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A mini-convention is held annually by the Kawa Bonsai Society in a small town in Florida, with surprising results. Watch the video of 'Joy of Bonsai' 2012
Bonsai Beginners,
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There are a number of bonsai articles on this site. Two of them are especially good for newcomers.
The first is important advice from an old timer and has become known as
"The Stuff Article."
Many teachers and clubs have reprinted Ten Steps for their members and students. For reprint details contact BonsaiMary.
Before you buy your first tools, be sure to read it.
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