Juniper Bonsai Tree

"Bonsai - How To Care For Blue Junipers..."

In addition to pine, junipers are a species commonly used by beginning bonsai  enthusiasts. Junipers are beautiful, and they are tolerant to a wide variety of  conditions.

Junipers are especially good for bonsai of the kengai (cascade) style. The trunk  and branches of trees in this style grow out over the pot and below the horizontal  surface.

Junipers grow well in full sun and moderately dry soil conditions. However, don't  allow the soil to dry out completely. Copious amounts of water can be added as  long as there is adequate drainage.

Organic Bonsai Fertilizer

Feed the tree every three to four weeks from early spring to autumn. Some prefer organic fertilizers to the man-made chemical variety. However, this preference seems to be based as much on ideology as good botanical science.

Take care to ensure the proper proportions when using man-made chemical  fertilizers as they can be harsh. A common mixture is half-strength of 20-20-20  NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium).

FREE GIFT FOR YOU!  I can't tell you how pleased I am that you have visited my web site.  May I encourage you to come back by offering you a FREE gift! Here's the thank you gift I want you to have now...                       "Clever Interior Design Tricks!" No Cost, No Obligation.  To Learn More CLICK HERE!

Try not to apply fertilizer  within a few  weeks after re-potting or in the hot months

Re-potting offers a good opportunity to trim the roots. However, gradual reduction  yields the best results. Cut off no more than 1/3 of the roots each time you trim  them.

Re-pot trees younger than 10 years-old every two years, and re-pot older  ones every three to four years.

The most common soil mixture is 60% soil, 10% peat, and 30% coarse sand. However,  there are many variations on the relative amounts and material available. A  mixture of equal proportions loam, leaf mold, and sand is also a viable option.

Bonsai Pruning

Re-potting is also a good time to prune unwanted branches. However, you should do  any wring in late autumn after the major growth season has tapered off.

You will  get quicker results from wiring done during the active growing season, but the  scars could easily develop if the tree is not carefully observed.

New shoots that occur during the active growing season are usually removed by  pinching them.  Just take the new growth between your thumb and forefinger and  give a sharp twist to remove.

Be careful not to move or bend the tree or branch.  Carry out this procedure frequently during the growth season to control the growth  of new foliage.

Be sure to check for red spider mites, a common pest of this species. Yellowing  leave are on indicator of the presence of spider mites. Also, check for small  spots under the branches.

Hold a sheet of white tissue paper underneath the branch  and tap the branch. If there are spider mites, a few of them will fall onto the  tissue paper. If they move, you need to apply pesticide.

Commercial insecticide solution is the most effective option, but you can also use a home made nicotine solution produced by soaking tobacco leaves in water overnight.

After the insecticide has operated for a day, spray the foliage with water daily  during the growing season . Allow the foliage to dry in full, early sun. Avoid  exposing the tree to full sun for a few weeks right after re-potting.

Now it's time to learn about Maple Bonsai trees...

 
If I can do it, you can do it!
Tina Timms, Bonsai Babe

Juniper Bonsai Tree