How To Care For The Juniper Bonsai Tree

The Juniper bonsai tree is a great tree for beginners to get started with. This article shares some basic tips on caring for your Juniper bonsai to keep it healthy and looking its best.

The juniper bonsai originates from Japan where it has been grown outdoors mostly in direct sunlight, however traveling over the ocean it has suffered a few modifications. Most other parts of the world, having four seasons during the year, could not keep the juniper bonsai outdoors during winter. At that point gardeners carried their trees indoors and thus, a whole new trend and life started for the juniper bonsai.

Juniper Bonsai Tree Care Tips

Placement - If you must have it indoors (and "indoors" does not mean a greenhouse), then make sure the Juniper bonsai is provided at least two hours of direct sunlight daily; also ensure that it is not placed directly in the path of the air conditioning as that can dry it out and kill it.

Watering - In natural outdoor conditions watering will be required every couple of days. However, if indoors you may need to monitor the dirt every day, and if the soil looks dry then daily watering may be needed. Watering should be done in small doses; keep the soil moist and don't flood the roots.

Soil Treatment and Fertilizers - Do not use fertilizers that accelerate the growth of the plant; remember, a bonsai is a miniature of the original version and the only way you will keep this form is by allowing it to grow naturally. However, it does need food so, fertilizers are needed, but only in moderate doses.

Pruning of the juniper bonsai is normally done in springtime and sometimes in the fall as well. It is usually done from the branches out, removing most of the year's new growth. Keep in mind you are the artist so try to visualize how the bonsai will look as you shape it. Pruning is also applied to the roots but only every other year. This is a bit more complex as you have to remove the tree from its pot in order to prune the roots.

Wintering - The juniper bonsai depends on the winter to complete its cycle, so, during winter season the lower temperatures will not hurt, but will instead work towards its benefit; in fact, even freezing temperatures will not damage the plant as long as it has direct sunlight to feed on.

The Juniper bonsai tree is a great tree for those who are new to the art of bonsai as it is a fairly easy tree to grow. With a little experience and practice, the Juniper bonsai will be a beautiful addition to your home or garden.