There is a large variety of bonsai trees that you can select from but an extremely popular type is the Juniper. Possibly one of the reasons for its popularity is that you have the choice of growing the tree either inside or outside. It is a low growing bonsai with lush greenery.
Juniper bonsai care is quite easily followed with just a few important rules to ensure a healthy long living happy tree. Where some trees need semi-shade this particular species loves lots of bright light with a minimum of four hours direct sunlight a day. The best age to go for when choosing a tree is between three and seven years of age. Ask the age of the tree when visiting your local garden center. If buying through a mail order service or online make sure the company can deliver overnight to ensure a healthy tree.
There’s the option of purchasing a young juniper tree so that you can prune and train it yourself. The older trees will have been groomed and trained already. Young or old, it is a personal choice. Training a young tree will require years of patience to get your it to the style you desire. Remember, juniper trees require a great deal of water as well as sun.
If you provide proper juniper bonsai care you will find over the years it grows into a magnificent work of art. This variety of tree grows with outstanding beauty remaining green throughout the year. Placing the tree in a humidity tray will always ensure the tree has the right levels of humidity important for healthy growth.
As an example, the Green Mound Chinese Juniper is a type of tree from Japan. This specific tree develops best in a 5 zone in full sun to semi-shade. Be sure to use liquid fertilizer and feed the tree on a monthly basis. To ensure optimal results, use liquid food and you’ll produce a happy healthy thriving tree.
If your juniper tree is a couple of years old and you want to transplant it, it’s an easy process; just wait until early April, clip the wires (if present) and ease the plant and root ball from the planter.
The next step is to trim the root ball using sharp scissors taking the bulk off from the sides and bottom usually to about one half inch. Then replant your juniper in a clean pot using well drained soil. After re-potting it is best to leave the tree in a shaded area for four weeks and then start feeding with liquid food.
It is important to keep in mind that each different tree needs its own separate attention; however, Juniper Bonsai care is not complicated if you keep a few simple steps in mind. Remember that the best time to prune this tree is during the late spring and early summer months. You can do so on an as-needed basis until about mid-September. When new growth is around one inch long, use your fingers and thumb to pinch back approximately half of an inch and tug slightly.