In the bonsai world, there are a few specimens which, due to their size or for all that can be achieved with them, are highly valued, hence 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 characteristics, maintenance or even where to buy itthen we help you to know it thoroughly.
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Characteristics of Juniperus bonsai
The first thing you need to know about the juniper bonsai is that its genus, the Juniperus or Junípero, It includes about 50 to 70 different species. The most common and well-known in the bonsai world are Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper), Juniperus sargentii (Japanese shimpaku) and Juniperus procumbens (sonara).
In fact, one could say that this kind classifies the species it encompasses into two large groups:
- On the one hand, those with scale-like foliage. These typically have foliage in shades of green, yellow, blue, and gray. To the touch they are much softer and above all a little more rounded (they are much better for being able to work and shape them).
- Other, those with needle-like foliage. These, unlike the previous ones, are characterized by very sharp and pointed needles, which can range from dark green to lighter. This implies that to the touch they may not be pleasant at all.
They are evergreen, which means they will stay “green” throughout the year. In addition, they are more exterior. Often these bonsai trees are placed indoors and eventually die due to lack of light and other needs.
These are mini trees that are characterized by to be very lively (if you take good care of it, it can last for years and years, or even leave it as a legacy) and also very resistant to pests and diseases.
care
Like any type of bonsai, having a miniature of a real tree makes them more “delicate” in their needs and you must know in depth what they need so that your specimen does not die.
In this sense, the care you should give to the Juniperus bonsai are as follows:
Location
Despite the fact that bonsai are sold as “indoor trees”, the truth is that the vast majority are outdoors. In the case of juniper bonsai that is totally outdoor; you can’t have it inside the house.
It needs plenty of light to grow properly. In addition, it will offer you an evolution of its foliage, going from an intense green in spring and summer to a duller, even brown, in winter (it is a protection against frost).
Temperature
It tolerates high temperatures well, although, being small specimens, It is not recommended to put them in direct sunlight if you live in an area where it is quite hot. As for cold and frost, you can withstand down to -10 degrees. Beyond that, it is advisable to protect it to avoid problems with roots or foliage.
Irrigation
Watering is one of the most important aspects of caring for a juniper bonsai. Does not tolerate excess, not even the humidity of the support utilize. It therefore needs very little watering.
When transplanting, irrigation, if due to ambient humidity, is much better as it helps the tree recover and get active in its new pot.
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Like any bonsai, or plant in general, a paid during the growing season, that is, from spring to summer. You can use liquid fertilizer by throwing it in the irrigation water once a week. or a fertilizer in solid form, applying it to the surface of the soil and then watering it in so that it absorbs the nutrients.
Cut
The pruning of this Juniperus bonsai is not as common as that of other specimens, and it is very slow growth pruning can therefore only be done once a year or even occasionally.
It usually consists of pinch the shoots so that they do not come out of formation that you gave to your bonsai.
Obviously, dry, dead or weak branches of the tree will also need to be removed. But you should keep in mind that a Juniperus bonsai should not be considered as a hedge; They are not the same, even if a priori it may seem to be the case. In other words, never cut off the growing tips, as this will only turn brown over time and stop growing.
Transplant
The grafting of the juniper bonsai is carried out always every two years in the youngest specimens and, when these are already of long duration, it can take much longer.
To do this, the soil to be used in these cases should be a mixture of earth and drainage. It should be a thick drainage, like akadama, to help the roots air out.
Also, it is not recommended to over prune the roots because it does not take it well at all and you can end up with your specimen.
Plagues and diseases
If you give this bonsai all the necessary care, it is normal for it to be resistant to any type of pest or disease. Now, that doesn’t mean they can’t be attacked; In fact, yes.
As for pests, the usual ones are aphids, moths, mites and scale insects.
Where to buy a juniper bonsai
Finally, if after all you’ve read about juniper bonsai, you just had to get the bug for this specimen and you want to get one, our recommendation is that you go to specialized centers.
In stores such as supermarkets it is very difficult, if not almost impossible, for them to bring these specimens, and in this case it will be the specialized nurseries that will have these bonsai.
Of course, keep in mind that these are trees that will require a series of care and that, Although they are said to be ideal for beginners, the truth is that it is not easy to take care of them (and it can dry out if you don’t get its needs under control in time). Still, it’s one of the nicest to have.
Do you dare with a juniper bonsai?