Juniper Bonsai Care

by: LeeDobbins
Total views: 5
Word Count: 521

For many bonsai enthusiasts, the juniper is the first favorite type of tree. However ,there is a vast selection as there are many types of trees to choose from, and all are equally beautiful. Juniper is a low growing variety, but it is one of those which produce a soothing lush greenery. It also has the advantage of being kept both as an indoor and out door plant.

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 is the option of buying a young juniper tree so that you can prune and train the tree yourself. The older ones will have been pruned and trained for years. Whether you choose young or old it is personal choice. Training a young tree will need years of patience to get your tree to the desired style you want. Don't forget juniper trees need lots of water as well as sun.

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 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.

About the Author

To find out more about Juniper Bonsai care as well as get the latest on Bonsai care and supplies, visit http://www.betterbonsaigardening.com.  

More Articles from: Gardening