The Juniper Bonsai Tree is Great for Beginners
A Juniper Bonsai Tree
Juniper bonsai are among the most popular of all bonsai plants. In addition to maple, elm, and pine, junipers are one of the most frequently used for bonsai. In their natural state they can be found throughout the world. Junipers are hardy, evergreen conifers that have long, trailing branches suitable for developing into excellent specimens using a variety of styles, and they can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.
The juniper bonsai tree can be raised either indoors or outdoors, although the plants prefer to be grown outdoors. Indoor environmental conditions are generally not ideal for the juniper, and the poor humidity and low light levels will eventually kill them. Junipers can tolerate full sun, but their foliage can burn in the hot, mid-day sun, so they should be moved to light shade during that time of day.
The juniper bonsai is a relatively low-maintenance plant, and will grow well even in regular garden soil just as long as it can drain well. It is susceptible to root rot if the plant’s roots are allowed to sit in overly soggy soil. Junipers can tolerate a certain amount of neglect rather than being over-fed or over-watered. They should be misted regularly to increase humidity. Misting is particularly important after the plant has been root-pruned and repotted because the leaves are able to absorb enough water to live on until the roots have recovered and are able to supply the tree with water.
Juniper’s popularity as a bonsai is due also to the fact that the plant can be trained for nearly every style of bonsai, with the exception of broom. They are particularly well suited and show beautifully in the cascade (kengai) or semi-cascade (han-kengai) styles. When displayed in either of these styles they should be potted in a tall, deep bonsai pot which encourages strong and deep roots to form which will help support the tree. Junipers will also display well using the informal upright (moyogi), slanting (shakan), or windswept style (fukinagashii).
Because most varieties of juniper are hardy they can over-winter outdoors. They will go into a state of dormancy when the temperatures begin to fall but will not lose their foliage. Hard frosts can damage some varieties of junipers so care should be taken to protect the plants from frost. Continue to check the soil regularly during the winter and if it feels dry go ahead and give it some water – bu don’t overdo it.
Some popular species of juniper that are very suitable for bonsai include:
- Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
- Needle Juniper (Juniperus rigida)
- Blue Juniper (Juniperus squamata)
- Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
The juniper tree can make a truly fantastic bonsai. It is a hardy plant and it is easy to grow, prune, and train. Junipers generally live long lives, so if you take good care of your juniper bonsai tree you will be rewarded as the plant continues to grow more beautiful as it matures with the passing years.
