Can anyone help me understand why my seedling is growing out to the side like this? It's a cypress seedling from Greece. I've put it out in direct sunlight and water it regularly... Could the soil be to blame or does it need extra support?

I really appreciate any help, as this is my first attempt at growing a bonsai.

Strange. The stem tells the story of a plant that germinated in dark conditions yet you say it was grown in direct sunlight? Outside? Or inside in a heated room?

certainly lack of light has caused it to elongate like this. as for what to do I don't know, I don't think it will be much good with a stem which is going to be weak. But 15 years or so might see a different story

It was grown inside to begin with, as it was too cold outside, but I always tried to keep it in direct sunlight as much as possible. Is there some way to improve the health of the stem?

nope. This is why the right startconditions are important.

Well, my Mediterranean cypress grows exactly the same, from seed coming from Greece. I thought they were all like that when infants.