Living with a Juniper Bonsai
Living with a bonsai is like having a full time job, it demands attention and care or else you will risk killing it before the miniature tree reaches maturity.
The juniper bonsai originates from Japan where it has been grown outdoors mostly in direct sunlight, however traveling over the ocean it has suffered a few modifications. Most other parts of the world, having four seasons during the year, could not keep the juniper bonsai outdoors during winter. At that point gardeners carried their trees indoors and thus, a whole new trend and life started for the juniper bonsai.
Helpful Tips
Placement – If you must have it indoors – and “indoors” does not mean a greenhouse -then make sure it’s provided at least two hours of direct sunlight daily; also ensure that it is not placed directly in the path of the air conditioning as that can dry it out and kill it.
Watering – In natural outdoor conditions this will be required every couple of days. However, if indoors you may need to monitor the dirt every day and if the soil looks dry then daily watering may be needed. Watering should be done in small doses; keep the soil moist and don’t flood the roots.
Soil Treatment and Fertilizers – Do not use fertilizers that accelerate the growth of the plant; remember, a bonsai is a miniature of the original version and the only way you will keep this form is by allowing it to grow naturally. However, it does need food so, fertilizers are needed, but only in moderate doses.
Pruning of the juniper bonsai is done usually in springtime and sometimes in the fall as well; it is usually done from the branches out, removing most of the year’s new growth. Keep in mind you are the artist and the bonsai will look as you shape it. Pruning is also applied to the roots but only every other year. This is a bit more complex as you have to remove the tree from its pot in order to prune the roots.
Wintering – The juniper bonsai depends on the winter to complete its cycle, so, during winter season the lower temperatures will not hurt, but will instead work towards its benefit; in fact, even freezing temperatures will not damage the plant as long as it has direct sunlight to feed on.
A juniper bonsai owner will be faced with many challenges, and the best way to deal with them in case if you have no idea what to do is to learn as quickly as possible from books or online sites, which offer specialized help in these matters. In due course and with practice you will learn to experiment with and on your bonsai, however, until you have full knowledge on how to do so correctly without hurting it, try and get as much help as possible.