Discover the Secrets of Juniper Bonsai Care Articles | Garden Information Center

One of the most popular types of bonsai trees is the juniper a firm favorite of many bonsai enthusiasts. However there is a huge selection of different types of trees to choose from all equally beautiful. The juniper is one of the low growing varieties producing lush greenery. This type of tree offers the choice of being able to grow it indoors or outdoors.

Juniper Bonsai care is not difficult. The most important thing is to follow a few simple rules and you should have success with your bonsai. Even though some trees prefer more shade, the juniper does best with a lot of light. It should receive a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight each day. When you are shopping for a tree, you want to select a tree that is between three and seven years old. You can inquire of your local garden center the age of the tree. If you opt to buy through mail order, it is important that the company can ship your tree overnight so that you are more inclined to get a healthy tree.

To get the real thrill of producing a work of beauty it is a better idea to get a young juniper tree and work on it ,shaping and designing as per your artistic sense, by pruning and training it. The older ones have been handled and pruned and trained already for years . However, what to choose is your wish, but a young tree will require a lot of patience, as it will take a lot of time in being trained. Please remember junipers need a lot water as well as sunshine.

A well made bonsai is a work of art and if you provide the proper Juniper Bonsai care, yours will make a magnificent looking bonsai. This variety remains green throughout the year and no discerning eye can miss its beauty. The plant should be placed in a humidity tray to ensure that it gets the correct level of humidity required for its healthy growth.

To make the Green Mound Chinese Juniper (a conifer of Japanese origin) grow strong and healthy, it is best planted in a 5-zone and should get plenty of sun and fluid foods and fertilzers every month.

If the time comes that you would like to re-pot your juniper tree this is best done in early spring. This is normally done after it has been in the same pot for between two to three years. This is a simple easy task to do. Gently remove the plant and root ball from the container. If the tree has been wired simply clip the wire and gently remove.

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.