Mini Christmas Tree Care: Ellwoodi, Toppoint and Other Chamaecyparis Species

The mini Christmas tree—often sold as Ellwoodi or Toppoint—is a charming little plant that suddenly appears everywhere, especially around the holidays. Although it's considered the perfect mood-setter in the home in December, this small conifer comes from a family that actually belongs outdoors. The Chamaecyparis is hardy, strong, and accustomed to fresh air and natural light fluctuations. Yet it proves surprisingly adaptable: even indoors, in the right conditions, it can shine for a few weeks.

At The Green Bottle Garden, we regularly incorporate these mini Christmas trees into our Christmas arrangements. Sometimes they get a subtle dusting of snow for a real wintery feel—a small touch that makes them stand out even more against the glass and greenery. But whether you use them with or without snow, it's more important to know how to care for them.

Outside: the place where he really comes into his own

In nature, this plant easily takes care of itself. Outdoors, the Ellwoodi simply follows the rhythm of the seasons.
In summer, it enjoys some extra water, especially during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. As soon as autumn and winter arrive, you can put the watering can away: the plant enters dormancy and needs nothing but rain and winter air. Its roots are completely winter-hardy, and even frost poses no problem.

If you put the mini Christmas tree outside after the holidays, it will quickly recover from the warm indoor air and start growing again – slowly but steadily.

Inside: just as atmospheric, but with some extra attention

Indoors, it's a different story. A mini Christmas tree isn't designed for hot radiators, dry room air, or drastic temperature fluctuations. Still, it'll stay in excellent shape during the holidays, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

The potting soil should be kept slightly moist, but never wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot and brown tips, which this small conifer is prone to. Choose a spot with plenty of light, but not direct sunlight or excessive heat. The decorative snow sometimes applied to the plant is fine, as long as you water carefully afterward.

If you're using your mini Christmas tree primarily as a temporary Christmas decoration, it requires virtually no care indoors. If you want to keep it after the holidays, put it outside and plant it in the ground. This will visibly revitalize it and allow it to continue growing.

A plant that can do more than you think

The mini Christmas tree is not only an attractive eye-catcher, but also a small powerhouse. Outdoors, it thrives on its own; indoors, it only requires a little attention and a light hand with water. And thanks to its hardy nature, it's a plant that can handle any season.