Juniper Round 2

[woodstock]

So after a year, I sadly lost my "mallsai" juniper that I had moved from Phoenix to SoCal.

I have been working mainly on educating myself over the past year before moving on to another bonsai. But now I have another nana but this time from House of Bonsai. (Place seems great, very helpful, little pricey but patient and willing to educate.)

Anyways, I wanted to throw my tree out there for the masses to critique and advise. Being in SoCal now has made things a little easier with caring for my bonsai as far as watering and weather goes. My girlfriend is calling me the crazy tree man because of all the reading and research I've been trying to do.. although I'm excited because I know that I know so little about this art so it's been so fun observing and listening!

Would love to hear what you think! Don't hold back! (more pics in the follow up)

 

[woodstock]

Here are some more pics for you to see.

 

[Paradox]

Looks healthy. It seems to be in good soil.
Good tree to learn how to keep things alive with.

It has had some work done to it, so it doesnt seem like a tree you can do alot to at this point in terms of wiring and pruning. It could use some refining of the foliage masses.

It might be good for you to get a juniper from a landscape nursery so you can learn about wiring and pruning on something a bit less refined.

 

[woodstock]

Thanks! Yeah we did some work on it together at the nursery. The guy was very helpful. I was told to keep the wire on for three months before removing but to make sure it doesn't begin to cut into the branches or trunk. We used a soil they make in house and then put lava on top. We did a full water submersion for a few minutes. Since bringing it back, I haven't had to water it. It's finally been above 70% humidity here in Fullerton.

Should I make sure that it gets some direct sunlight each day or is it okay in the shade? It's on a north/northwest facing patio.

 

[Paradox]

Well to be honest, I am not very familiar with the weather patterns where you live. I know it can get really hot in some places during the summer there.

Where I live, I can leave junipers in full sun during the summer and they like full sun, but it doesnt get quite as hot as where you are. I would think that some sun would be better than full shade. Being in a place where it gets really hot in the middle of the day during the summer might not be good. Hopefully someone with better knowledge about growing junipers in your area can answer better.

Perhaps the place you got the tree from can better answer your question?

 

[bonsaibp]

It can take full sun in Fullerton except for in the height of summer, then it could use a little protection from the afternoon sun. They are pretty bullet proof as long as you don't overwater and keep an eye out for spider mites- our biggest juniper issue in So.Cal..

 

[woodstock]

It can take full sun in Fullerton except for in the height of summer, then it could use a little protection from the afternoon sun. They are pretty bullet proof as long as you don't overwater and keep an eye out for spider mites- our biggest juniper issue in So.Cal..

Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to make it out and check out the nursery too! I'm traveling for a week and Northridge is a little over an hour away from me but I'll make that trek!

 

[bonsaibp]

Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to make it out and check out the nursery too! I'm traveling for a week and Northridge is a little over an hour away from me but I'll make that trek!

Cool ,when you get here mention Bonsainut and you'll get a discount. Hopefully I'll be here if not Jorge will take care of you. You may want to check out some of our classes and workshops as well. http://www.kimurabonsainursery.com/classes-and-workshops.html