The juniper genus of trees is made up of around 70 different species that are mainly evergreen coniferous trees or shrubs. Many of those juniper plants are quite perfect for bonsai, making them quite a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts. One particular tree, the Shimpaku Juniper, is known for its scale-like foliage, which is what makes it very attractive when it comes to bonsai presentations. Here is a quick little guide on how to take care of your Shimpaku Juniper tree.
Location
The Shimpaku Juniper thrives in an outdoor environment and needs plenty of natural sunshine. When kept outside, this bonsai plant can tolerate just about any condition, even the sudden temperature changes with the seasons. While it likes to absorb a lot of sunlight, don’t forget to put it in an afternoon shade during summer.
Watering
When it comes to watering a Shimpaku Juniper, you need to strike a good balance between water and sunlight. Generally speaking, the more sunlight a bonsai tree absorbs, the more water it needs. This is also the case with Shimpaku Juniper trees. However, you need to watch out and avoid giving it too much water. Let it catch its breath first before watering it again. Place the entire pot in a sink of water an inch or two deep and let the water absorb through the holes in the bottom of the pot. Check its weight by lifting it momentarily to check if it has had enough water for the time being.
Re-Potting
The most effective time for you to modify the pot of one’s tree is as soon as every two years, carried out for the duration of spring, especially suitable just before the developing season. You are able to eliminate as much as 1/3 from the root ball to produce space for new roots to develop. Re-potting is also the perfect time to prune some of the roots.
During this time, you shouldn’t feed the tree inside for at least a month right after repotting. After that, you need to start the feeding cycle again. Don’t forget to water it a bit more than usual if you want to maximise the absorption of nutrients after re-plotting.
Pruning
If you want to develop your Shimpaku Juniper’s foliage, you need to pinch out the tender new shoots using your fingers. When doing this, avoid using scissors as the cut needles will turn brown. Pinching must be done continuously during the growing season. If you see any undesirable branches, trim them carefully, especially during the growing season or when re-potting them.
Feeding
There are a few things you need to remember about feeding Shimpaku Juniper bonsai trees. First, you should feed it with half-strength liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and fall seasons. During summertime, you shouldn’t feed it at all. You also shouldn’t feed your bonsai plant right after re-potting it. Wait two to four weeks before feeding it with fertiliser again.
Conclusion
Shimpaku Juniper bonsai trees are one of the easiest and low-maintenance bonsai trees today. It’s perfect for beginners and even experienced bonsai growers. By remembering these care tips, you can maintain the Juniper’s delicate foliage and make it even more beautiful.
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