2 ft cypress trees in pots

Question

We were just given two small cypress trees from a friend who, I believe, bought them in Orlando at an arborist seminar. We put them in our atrium, which gets moving sunlight throughout the day. We planted them in dark garden soil. They are getting plenty of water, as it has been raining most every day. We’ve had them a little over a week and the needles are starting to turn brown and black. Help!

Answer 1

There are several varieties of Cypress Trees.
It would be helpful for you to learn the cultivator that you were gifted. This can help determine a know growing height your tree will grow.
Yes, you can grow Cypress Trees in containers, but it will take work.
Likely your trees are suffering transplant shock. Spring and fall are better times to transplant the trees.
Care needs to be taken to only move the trees up one inch in pot size from the nursery pot. They will do better root bound and to large of a pot can cause root rot.
Check the soil to make sure it is not soggy, and that the container is well draining. Excess moisture will likely kill the trees.

Lack of sunlight can be adding to the stress, but care needs to be taken that direct light does not heat up the container and roots.

They should only need to be repotted every 3 years or so. You will need to do regular root pruning to keep the tree to the desired size.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cypress/growing-cypress-trees.htm