Bonsai Dude

Juniper bonsai tree fall under the informal upright category of Bonsai trees. Its needle-like leaves and compact foliage look very attractive. If you like keeping decorative trees in your home, then you should consider getting a juniper bonsai. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you want to keep this tree in a good condition, here are some tips on juniper bonsai care.

Pot

Choose a 3-6 years old juniper tree. After selecting your preferred variety, the next step is to pot the tree in a container. Ensure you choose a container that can accommodate the plant’s root system and has sufficient drainage holes. If the container doesn't have sufficient drainage holes, excess water would not be drained, thereby harming the roots.

Location

Although this tree can be kept indoors to enhance the home decor, it requires ample sunshine (at least 4 hours every day). So, ensure that the plant is placed where it can receive sunlight. Alternatively, you can take it outdoors every morning to get low intensity sunlight. This is an essential element in the growth of the juniper bonsai that you cannot ignore.

Watering the juniper bonsai tree

Although juniper bonsai requires watering, excess watering may damage its roots and so don’t overwater it. Before watering, check whether or not the soil has dried by touching it. Ensure the water is chlorine-free as chlorinated water can seriously damage the tree and cause root rot. You can also mist the tree regularly.

Fertilizer

Juniper can grow well in a sandy loam soil with potassium, nitrates and phosphorus. Replenish the soil with a fertilizer. During the growth period, you can fertilize every two weeks. Ensure the fertilizer is mixed properly as it can damage the roots when there is a direct contact between them. Fertilizing is very important when caring for dwarf juniper bonsai as it will ensure healthy foliage and full blossoms on your bonsai.

Pruning

The branches and stems must be pruned every spring and summer by removing dead limbs and crossed branches. The roots should also be pruned during spring, every two years, while re-potting. After getting the required shape after pruning, begin the nipping technique. If there is a new growth on the juniper, nip it with the fingers by gently twisting it. However, don’t prune all new growths simultaneously.

Just follow the aforementioned tips and your miniature juniper bonsai tree will grow well and get adorned with nice foliage.