What kind of soil for juniper bonsai

However, they cannot tolerate being waterlogged. As a general rule, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid letting it dry out completely, and then water deeply. Ensuring that the bonsai has adequate drainage is imperative in preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Juniper bonsai trees should be grown outdoors year-round and cannot tolerate growing indoors. They are hardy, frost-tolerant trees that can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit without protection.

When extreme winter temperatures dip below this, providing juniper bonsais with moderate protection from wind and frost will help them to overwinter outdoors. Juniper bonsai appreciate regular feeding during the spring and fall months to promote strong growth. However, cut back on fertilizing during the summer months to give the tree a break.

Use slow-release organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season, or a liquid fertilizer every week when watering. If vigorous growth is desired, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended - but only in the spring months. The Juniperus genus contains between species of trees and low-lying shrubs. The most popular juniper varieties for bonsai include:. Proper and regular pruning is essential to the aesthetic and health of a bonsai tree.

For juniper bonsai, pinching back growth rather than cutting back is recommended as cutting can cause the surrounding needles to die off. Juniper trees can withstand aggressive pruning well but keep in mind that they cannot bud again from any bare tree parts. Always leave some foliage on the branches to ensure ongoing growth. It is best to prune juniper bonsai in the early spring and summer during their active growing period.

In general, bonsai trees do not need to be repotted very often, including the juniper varieties. Young trees can be repotted every two years at the most, and older trees can go as long as five years without being repotted. For juniper bonsai, avoid heavy root pruning at the time of repotting to prevent shocking the plant. Junipers like poor soil kiryu is just that. Akadama is only to hold enough water for the tree and it releases all excess water. Pro is that it also holds temperature in the pot.

Kiryu barely holds water so it's mainly there for drainage as junipers don't like too wet roots too long. You say you live in a warm climate so youl might need to water some more each day.

By the way Junipers also like the soil to almost dry out before watering again. And yes akadama will deteriorate but like m5eaygeoff says most trees need a repotting every years anyway. They grow junipers in japan in akadama or mixed with kiryu and they have a growing season of 9 months. Also extreme heat and cold and after years of trying things they still use it.

My Junipers are in the same mix and are very healthy seems to work just fine. I even have a old yamadori that's been growing in pure akadama for about 8 years now.

I will add kiryu when it's repotted next year but that's just because we have alot of rain here. Here it is growing on akadama. This message has an attachment image.

Please log in or register to see it. The following user s said Thank You: Andrewuk. Last edit: Post by chrisv. Akadama sure looks and sounds similar aside from size to the expanded clay pellets hydroton I use with my hydroponic juniper.

You can mitigate this problem by temporarily moving your bonsai to a shady spot. Bonsai soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Juniper bonsai trees need regular light feeding during the growing season because their growing medium will not hold nutrients. You can meet these needs by fertilizing with water-soluble fertilizer, formulated for container plants or bonsai, every two weeks. Only fertilize when the bonsai is actively growing.

Leslie Rose has been a freelance writer publishing with Demand Studios since In addition to her work as a writer, she is an accomplished painter and experienced art teacher.

She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in art with a minor in English. Home Guides Garden Gardening. By Leslie Rose. Related Articles. Juniper Soil Preferences Junipers in their natural habitats tolerate a variety of soils, from rocky to loamy, compacted or grainy. Making Soil vs.