How to Grow a Juniper Bonsai? Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Juniper is a relatively popular bonsai, suitable for growing at home, so how do you grow a juniper bonsai? Let's take a look!

1. Basic Introduction to Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen small tree of the Cupressaceae family and the genus Juniperus, also called Cuibai, Shanbai, Taiwan juniper, Yingluobai, etc. It likes a cool climate and is highly cold-resistant. It is not demanding about soil, and can grow in acidic soil as well as in dry rock crevices and gravelly ground by the seaside.

Juniper likes light, is cold-resistant and drought-resistant, and both its main and lateral roots are very well developed. It grows best in dry sandy land and in fertile, well-aerated soil. It can grow on sunny hillsides and in rock crevices, and is the best tree species for decorating rock gardens. In nature it is often seen scattered in areas at an altitude of 1300-3400 m, but does not form large forests.

2. How to Grow a Juniper Bonsai?

1. Light: The juniper bonsai needs to be placed in a sunny, well-ventilated spot for growing, and avoid exposure to strong sun in summer;

2. Watering: Watering depends on how dry the soil is; do not water when it is not dry, and water thoroughly when you do;

3. Soil: Choose a well-drained, fertile and loose soil;

4. Pruning: When the growth of the juniper affects its tree shape, it can be pruned appropriately.

3. Precautions for Growing Juniper

1. When the weather is hot, you can spray water on the leaves to increase air humidity and make the leaf color fresh;

2. Fertilize according to the growth of the juniper, but the amount of fertilizer and water should not be too large, so as to avoid excessive vegetative growth of the plant and affect the beauty of the tree shape;

3. The juniper bonsai also needs repotting. Small bonsai should be repotted every 2 years, and large bonsai every 4 to 5 years, generally before bud break in spring. When repotting, cut off diseased roots, rotten roots and some old roots, thin out dense roots, remove 1/2 to 1/3 of the old soil, and replace it with new fertile growing medium for replanting.