Article by Paul Smith
One of the more popular bonsai specimens that can be found from the coniferous specimen of trees are the Juniper bonsai trees. You can create impressive looking miniatures from these bonsai varieties. There are nearly fifty different specimens that are in existence around the world. Bonsai cultivators use this particular species, as it is one of the easiest to grow, when one is just learning how to bonsai.
Juniper bonsai trees can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Make sure there is sufficient light and humidity, when you grow them indoors, though it is preferable to grow them outdoors, where they thrive best.
The other name that is frequently used for Juniper bonsai trees is, “Chinese Junipers.” Another variety of the same species that is popularly grown is the “Needle Juniper.” The needle sharp foliage is sharp and very evident, when it first starts growing, but slowly begins to resemble a scale like foliage, as it matures. From a shade of light green, you see the colors of the foliage of the junipers turn to blue-green, with silver and gold hues.
The Juniper bonsai trees need regular watering. The soil should not be dry and the best way to check this is by sticking a finger into about one inch of the soil. There are two ways one can water the plant. One is to immerse the whole pot into a container filled with water, for about 15 to 30 minutes, till the water reaches the rim of the pot. Then ensure that the water drains out completely otherwise the junipers can suffer from roots rot. The other method is to pour water from the top slowly, little by little, till the pot has just enough water.
Water should be sprinkled on the foliage to prevent dust from clogging the pores. The term used, for this method of sprinkling, is called “misting.” This has to be done regularly, especially when the pot is repotted and continued, until the roots once again are able to absorb the necessary amount of water required. Juniper bonsai trees absorb water easily through the foliage, so you should keep the plant “misted” and supplied with just enough water for its healthy growth.
Sufficient sunlight should fall on the Juniper bonsai trees. As long as the sun has not reached its full intensity, it can be placed outside in the sun, but otherwise transfer the pot under the shade. You can keep the plant outside, but make sure the sun filters through a shade and does not fall directly on the plant.
A humidity tray filled with stones and water can be used as the base for the pot. The excess water from the pot is naturally drained out with this placement. Make sure you remember to fertilize your Juniper bonsai trees, in the initial stages, once every two or three weeks. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer in winter, a balanced one in the summer and fall and a high fertilizer in spring.
About the Author
Should you want to learn more about the art of growing bonsai trees, please visit Paul E. Smith’s website http://www.BonsaiPlantsCenter.com to find tons of great information on how to care and grow the most awesome bonsai trees and subscribe to his FREE Online Mini-Course “Bonsai Masters Secrets” to learn all the basics you need to get started. http://www.BonsaiPlantsCenter.com
