Juniper is an evergreen coniferous tree. It is believed that the plant protects the home, promotes emotional health, and restores energy reserves. Plant produces phytoncides that purify the air from pathogens and viruses.
Placement
To provide important and natural weather conditions and changes of seasons for the plant, cultivation is outdoors year-round. It is possible to keep indoors under the condition of cold wintering at positive temperatures for 2–3 months (heated loggia, balcony, winter garden, terrace, garage, or other).
Temperature regime
During the growing season from +17 to +23 degrees Celsius of heat. Juniper does not like heat and dry air. In winter, a cool regime will be needed, so the temperature is reduced to +5…+15 degrees Celsius. The critical temperature is from 0 to +4 degrees Celsius.
Lighting
The required duration of daylight illumination is 10–12 hours per day. Additional lighting — growth lights.
Soil
One of the most common soil mixtures for bonsai junipers consists of equal parts of Lava, Kiryuzuna and Akadama (see here).
Peat, biohumus, sand, compost, perlite can be added.
The necessary pH level is from 6.5 to 8.
Clay pebbles (LECA) can be used as drainage.
Watering
It is necessary to constantly monitor the moisture content of the soil and in time to take measures so that it does not dry out — this is destructive for the plant. A Kanuma (see here) can be used on the surface layer of the soil to visually monitor the moisture. Kanuma darkens when the soil is moist and lightens when it dries out.
The tree responds well to crown sprays in spring and summer.
Fertilizers
During the growing season, the juniper is fed with organic fertilizers for bonsai. Biogold, Hanagokoro (see here) are suitable.
During the dormant period, fertilization is not necessary.
Repotting
The most suitable time to transplant the tree is early spring. Young trees up to 3–4 years old should be replanted every year, bonsai trees 5–9 years old every 2–3 years, trees older than 10 years old should be replanted every 5–6 years, and mature bonsai trees several decades old should be replanted every 10–15 years. Repotting includes root pruning and soil renewal.
Shaping and pruning
In the spring, pinch or cut long shoots at the base to maintain the desired crown shape. Frequent pruning of juniper trees weakens the health of the bonsai. If the crown of the tree becomes too dense, it is thinned by cutting out individual shoots. Strong cuts should be protected with grease.
Juniper can not tolerate cutting off the top — this greatly weakens the tree.
Diseases and pests
Junipers are rarely diseased, however, the tree can get root rot or powdery mildew. The main probable cause is excessive watering. To treat junipers, remove severely damaged parts and treat with green soap.
