i’ve just recently bought this 6 year old juniper for a school project and to just get started with and learn how to take care of a bonsai hands on, and with other trees i’ve had i’ve never had this issue. this junipers soil stays moist for around 3 days sometimes even five. it might be because of temperature but i’m not sure, is this a problem and does it look like my bonsai has root rot? also it’s not dead but some of the leaves are turning brown
Moist soil
- Thread starter goooooze
- Start date
Gabler
Masterpiece
We're going to need more information and more pictures. Where in the world are you located? Is the tree indoors or out? How often are you watering? Where are the brown spots in the foliage? What kind of soil is the tree planted in? How well does excess water drain from the pot?
i’m in sacramento, and the tree is outdoors but underneath shade so it’s not getting much sunlight but i’m moving it to a greenhouse by the end of this week and i haven’t had a schedule for watering i just water whenever it’s dry because that’s what i’ve seen online is best to do the brown is just dead foliage and it’s partially on the branches, and from the looks of it it’s just regular old bonsai soil it came with the tree. also thanks for the help
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Gabler
Masterpiece
Sounds like everything is fine, then. Just keep watering whenever the tree gets dry. I also wouldn't be afraid to put the tree in the sun. Junipers like sun, and it isn't drying out too quickly in its current soil mix.
alright thank you so much this is such a reliever i really appreciate it
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
The only brown needles I can see are the oldest ones. That's normal because even evergreen tree leaves (needles) have a lifespan - normally 2-4 years. After that they are too old to work properly so they turn brown and eventually drop off. In the meantime new needles have grown at the ends of the branches to take over energy conversion for the tree. Provided there's more new ones than dead ones everything is fine.
Every pot, every tree, every soil mix use and store water at different rates. Every back yard, every city, every country and different times of year all have different water use patterns. Be guided by the soil moisture content rather than how many days.
I also think the juniper looks healthy - so far.
Every pot, every tree, every soil mix use and store water at different rates. Every back yard, every city, every country and different times of year all have different water use patterns. Be guided by the soil moisture content rather than how many days.
I also think the juniper looks healthy - so far.
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
Juniper needs as much sun as possible. That is probably all you need. Greenhouse? No!
bwaynef
Masterpiece
This tree would really benefit from proper repotting technique and inorganic soil. You're setting yourself up for problems in that climate with this dense soil. It is going to dry out, unevenly, and then there will be dry spots in the soil that will become more uneven and worse. Once dry, it will become hydrophobic, making it a harder situation to resolve. A properly draining and aerated soil will allow you to water regularly and improve/maintain the health of the tree.
Once repotted and acclimated, I'd put it in full sun w/ a bit of late afternoon shade. Boon is in Sacramento & keeps most of the trees in his garden under some percentage of shade. (I'd guess 30%, but that's JUST an uneducated guess.)
Once repotted and acclimated, I'd put it in full sun w/ a bit of late afternoon shade. Boon is in Sacramento & keeps most of the trees in his garden under some percentage of shade. (I'd guess 30%, but that's JUST an uneducated guess.)
it is only in shade because i live in an apartment haha my balcony is also facing south so it only gets full sun some of the time if i place it against my railing but it isn’t placed there because of my apartments regulations, so that’s why im putting it in a greenhouse. also do you know any websites i could order bonsai soil from, i’m a beginner and i don’t have much of a budget so if anyone knows a premixed one id really appreciate it
Wulfskaar
Omono
You can get small bags on Amazon. I don't think you need a large amount, so Amazon might be the way to go.
Make sure to get the good granular stuff and nothing that looks like potting soil. You might want to get advice on which soil components are best for Junipers. A "standard mix" would be a 1:1:1 ratio of Akadama, Pumice, and Lava (APL).
Maybe something like this?:
Amazon Link
Amazon Link
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
Bonsai Jack. Shipping is fast and free.
Wulfskaar
Omono
They also offer a 10% discount to veterans (you have to email them first).
