Just bought my first bonsai......need help

derek_2007

17 years ago

I just bought my first bonsai tree today, a 6 year old juniper, and I'm getting so much conflicting info I need some help. First of all the juniper was purchased from a retailer that has kept it indoors for an unknown time period. From everything I have read most people say that it is next to impossible to keep these alive indoors for a long period of time. I understand this and I am trying to determine the best course of action to keep my tree alive and healthy. I don't know if this tree has gone through any dormant periods or of it has ever been outdoors at all. Is there a procedure for introducing the tree to an outdoor lifestyle that is safe and will not shock the tree to death? It is currently about 25 degrees F where I live. Also can you look at the pics and tell me if there is anything that stands out as odd or unhealthy looking. I don't know if will be visible in the pics but there a couple leaves that are brown, not many, but a couple. What should I do with these? And notice how wet the soil looks (I just bought it today and have not watered it yet) Do you think it has been over watered? Any advice or tips from people who have actually done this would really help. Thanks for taking the time to help.

{{gwi:5152}}

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Comments (6)

gnome_in_pa
17 years ago
Derek,

The tree looks fine, good pictures by the way. If the top dressing is glued down it will need to be removed. The soil underneath looks really dark and heavy as is common with mass produced bonsai. If this is the case you should really consider a re-pot this spring.

Don't try to acclimatize it to cold temperatures now, it is too late in the season. Just try to manage it effectively until the weather warms, what is that maybe 6 or 8 weeks in your area? Try to find a bright, cool location and be very cautious about your watering. Junipers are best potted in a gritty, free draining mix and peat heavy mixes hold water too long so allow it to dry a bit in between waterings.

Norm

Here is a link that might be useful: Juniper Info.
derek_2007
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the info, the top dressing is loose, not glued down. And yes, warm weather is about 8 weeks away. I have been reading a lot about Jack Wikle's indoor growing techniques. Does anyone know much about his techniques and is it crazy to think that I could keep this tree indoors year round using a grow light and humidity tray etc.? Thanks again.
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lucy
17 years ago
Hi, forget JW - he is not looked on as an authority whatsoever. There have been people who've kept a juniper alive indoors for a short time... so what? It's not an ideal situation as far as the tree goes, and why not give it what it really needs to thrive, rather than just survive? The conditions you're talking about suit tropical plants, not junipers, and you're far more likely to end up with a load of trouble (as a newbie on top of it) than anything else.
derek_2007
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for your input Lucy. Do you think it is a good idea, as some others have suggested, to place a tray with rocks and water under the pot for humidity? I know the base should not sit in the water. Any other tips to keep it healthy untill after the last frost?
lucy
17 years ago
Junipers don't need extra humidity - their natural homes are dry, dusty, windswept places and extra humidity is as likely to cause problems as anything. If you choose, you could spray wash the foliage once a month or something in the sink by tipping the pot sideways (with your hand over the soil) but otherwise I wouldn't bother. If it's outdoors, hose spray it whenver you water, keeping in mind some of the spray will definitely end up in the soil, and watering too often is the cause of 99% of juniper demise.
marksgreenhouse
17 years ago
THIS LOOKS LIKE A JAPANESE GARDEN JUNIPER, I HAVE 4 CURRENTLY. THESE ARE THE BEST ONES TO START OUT WITH. ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS IS THE AMOUNT OF WATER. IN THE BONSAI POT IT IS EASY TO OVER OR UNDER WATER. I PURCHASED AN MOISTURE MEETER ($5.00 AT WALMART) AND I KEEP TABS ON MINE WITH THIS. IF YOU DONT HAVE THE BONSAI TOOLS FOR THE BRANCHES I WOULD SUGGEST PURCHASING ONE.(CONCAVE CUTTERS). YOUR TREE WILL NEED TRIMING SOON. IT IS A HEALTHY LOOKING TREE AND SHOULD DO FINE. BONSAI IS A GREAT HOBBY AND I WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK.......MARK

Just bought my first bonsai......need help

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Just bought my first bonsai......need help

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