juniper bonsai | Gardening included
There are several of them in the bonsai world specimens that, because of their size or everything that can be achieved with them, are highly prizedhence its high price in some cases. This is what happens with the Juniperus bonsai.
If you want to know more things about this bonsai such as its features, care and even where to buy itthen we will lend a hand you find out exactly.
Characteristics of juniper bonsai
The first thing you should know about juniper bonsai is that its genus, Juniperus or Junípero, It includes about 50-70 different species. The most popular and best-known bonsai in the world are Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper), Juniperus sargentii (Japanese shimpaku) and Juniperus procumbens (sonare).
In fact, you could say it’s that genre classifies the species it covers into two vast groups: :
- On the one hand, those with leaves in the form of scales. They usually have leaves in shades of green, yellow, blue and gray. They are much softer to the touch and, above all, slightly more rounded (they are much easier to work with and shape).
- For another, those with needle-like leaves. These, unlike the previous ones, are characterized by very acute and acute needles, which can have a color from shadowy green to lighter. This means that they may not be pleasant to the touch at all.
They are evergreen, which means they will stay “green” all year round. Besides, they are more external. Many times these bonsai are placed indoors and end up dying due to lack of lithe and other needs.
These are mini trees that are characterized by: be very long-lived (if you take care of it well, it can last for years and even leave it as an inheritance) and also very resistant to pests and diseases.
Care
Like any type of bonsai, having a miniature of a real tree makes them more “fragile” in their needs, and you need to know exactly what they need so that your specimen does not die.
In this sense, the care that must be provided to a juniper bonsai is as follows:
Location
Despite the fact that bonsai are sold as “indoor trees”, the truth is that the expansive majority grow outdoors. In case of juniperus bonsai, this is completely outside; you can’t have this inside your home.
It needs a lot of lithe to develop properly. Additionally, it will offer a change in the foliage, going from intense green in spring and summer to more uninteresting and even brown in winter (this is protection against frost).
Temperature
It tolerates high temperatures well, although being compact specimens, It is not recommended to place them directly in the sun if you live in a place where it is quite scorching. When it comes to frosty and frost, you can withstands down to -10 degrees. In addition, it is recommended to protect it to avoid problems with roots and leaves.
Irrigation
Watering is one of the most essential aspects of juniper bonsai care. It does not tolerate excess, even moisture in the substrate operate. Therefore, it needs to be watered very little.
When replanting, irrigation, if provided by ambient moisture, is much better because it helps the tree regenerate and activate in the recent pot.
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Like any bonsai or plant in general, a paid during the growing season, i.e. from spring to summer. You can operate liquid fertilizer by adding it to the irrigation water once a week; or solid fertilizer by applying it to the soil surface and then watering it so that it absorbs the nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning this Juniperus bonsai is not as common as with other specimens, but it is still there very leisurely growth, therefore, pruning can only be done once a year or even every now and then.
It usually consists of pinch the shoots so that they do not go beyond the formation that you gave to your bonsai.
Of course, parched, dead or frail tree branches will also need to be removed. However, you must remember that you should not think of the Juniperus bonsai as a hedge; They are not the same, although it may seem so a priori. In other words, you should never cut off the growing tips because in the long run it will only cause the plant to turn brown and stop growing.
Graft
A juniper bonsai transplant is carried out in the youngest specimens, always every two years and if they are already long-lived, it may take much longer.
To do this, the soil used in such cases must be a mixture of soil and drainage. This should be a dense drainage such as akadama, which will lend a hand aerate the roots.
Additionally, it is not recommended to prune the roots too much as it does not tolerate well and you may end up with a specimen.
Plagues and diseases
If you give this bonsai all the necessary care, it is normal for it to withstand any type of pests or diseases. However, this does not mean that they cannot be attacked; currently yes.
As for pests, they are just regular pests aphids, moths, mites and scales.
Where to buy juniper bonsai
Finally, if after reading everything you have read about juniper bonsai, you have become interested in this specimen and want to have one, we recommend that you go to specialized centers.
In stores such as supermarkets it is very complex, if not almost impossible, to bring these specimens, and in this case it will be the specialized nurseries that will have these bonsai.
Of course, you should remember that these are trees that require a number of care treatments and that: Although they are said to be perfect for beginners, the truth is that they are not uncomplicated to care for (and it can parched out if you don’t manage its needs in time). Still, it’s one of the most lovely you can have.
Would you dare to have a juniper bonsai?