Caring for a Juniper Bonsai

Article by Francesca Black.

Growing bonsai trees is an ancient art that is becoming increasingly more popular. Research shows that plants benefit our mood and attitude. Introducing bonsai plants into your life will bring these benefits along with reduced stress levels and will enhance the aesthetics of your home environment. Because juniper bonsai trees are easy to grow, they make great plants for beginners. Anyone can grow a bonsai tree if they properly care for it. The following information will help make your bonsai experience a positive one.

There are over 50 species of evergreen juniper trees. The needles range in colour from dark green to blue. The juniper increases in beauty as it grows and is a great addition to any landscape. The juniper is an outdoor plant. Fresh air and sunlight are essential to its growth and health. Although it should not be exposed to extreme freezing temperatures, it is a hardy plant, withstanding the coldness of winter and thriving in most climates. Still, it should not be exposed to extreme freezing temperatures and should be brought inside during sub-zero temperatures. Indoors, it should not be placed near heating vents or left without sun exposure. In winter, an unheated, sunny, enclosed porch is an appropriate place for a juniper. If left inside indefinitely, a juniper will lose its healthy appearance and eventually die.

Plenty of fresh air and sun are the first elements to caring for your bonsai. Soil and fertilizer are other important components. Buy soil specifically formulated for bonsai trees. These mixtures contain less fertilizer than the average potting soil, which is designed to encourage maximum growth. The fertilizer should have a high nitrogen content. Fertilize your bonsai every other week during the growing season, spring until autumn. If your bonsai looks unhealthy do not add more fertilizer, which is a common mistake with beginners. Rather, an unhealthy bonsai is usually due to over-watering. Re-pot your bonsai every two years until the plant is 10 years old. After it is re-potted do not expose it to wind or direct sun for 1-2 months.

The next important element for a healthy tree is water. The saying, "if some is good, more is better" cannot be applied in reference to watering your bonsai. Beginners have the tendency to over-water their bonsai plants. Over-watering causes Bonsai roots to rot. You should water your bonsai when the soil is nearly dry--but not completely dried out. The soil should be dry about a half inch to an inch deep. It should appear dry on top, but when you check the soil underneath with a toothpick or your finger, you can still feel moisture. In most conditions you will water every two to three days, but could be as little as once a week or as often as every day, depending on your climate. When it needs watering place it in a container of water or your sink for about 5-10 minutes to saturate the roots. Then let it drain. You can also top water. If top watering your bonsai, water, and then wait a few minutes, and water again. You will repeat this until your bonsai has received enough water. The juniper can also be misted every couple of days to keep dust off the needles and help in keeping humidity.

Plenty of fresh air, rich soil, and the right amount water are the first items to consider when growing a juniper bonsai tree. The basics are usually the most important in any skill or trade. If you can control and regulate the basics, you will be well on your way to growing a healthy bonsai plant. Those elements combined with your care and attention will produce a beautiful plant that will help your mood, attitude and stress levels for many years to come.

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