Juniper (Juniperus)

Juniperus is a genus of evergreen conifers consisting of about 70 species that can be found all over the world. They are all divided into two sections: junipers and savins. Some species are variegated green and blue.

In the world of bonsai, they are very common in styles such as tanuki, where a Juniper is joined with a piece of deadwood following a vein, or creating deadwood with the Jin and Shari technique. They are also a good option for making a bonsai from scratch since nurseries usually have them available as they are a type of shrub widely used in house hedges. They are also often seen in cascade style using tall pots.

The most used types of juniper are the following:

• Juniperus Sonare
• Shimpaku Itoigawa Juniper
• Juniperus Phoenicea
• Juniperus Procumbens Nana
• Old Gold Juniper (Juniperus Chinensis)
• Jacaré Juniper
• Japanese Needle Juniper

An economical way to work on a juniper bonsai is to buy a seedling and do it ourselves. Cedars and junipers are ideal species for this. You just have to keep in mind not to cut too many roots and not to remove all the substrate.

Juniper Bonsai Care Guide

Junipers share many characteristics with their close cousins the pines; in the end, they are from the same conifer family. Some key characteristics are the delicate roots, which will limit their pruning and transplanting with the change to new substrate.

Let’s see the technical sheet for the Juniper bonsai where we will introduce you to the basic care of this bonsai with great possibilities.

How should I water a Juniper bonsai?

They do not tolerate waterlogging, so it is important to let the substrate dry out between waterings. On the other hand, if we have just transplanted, it will be advisable to spray the leaves to maintain humidity.

Should I leave my Juniper in full sun?

This is a bonsai that cannot live indoors; it needs as much direct light as possible.

Should I worry about bringing my Juniper bonsai indoors in winter?

In winter, you should protect it if temperatures drop below -10ºC; if not, you can leave it outside without any problem. But keep in mind not to water it if temperatures are expected to drop that low.

How often should I fertilize my Juniper?

During growth in Spring and Autumn using slow-release organic fertilizer.

When and how should a Juniper bonsai be pruned?

When the tree is dormant, either summer or winter. The tree withstands drastic pruning without any problem. Also keep in mind that the Juniper cannot grow new branches from the trunk.

Can I pinch a Juniper bonsai?

Yes, but you have to be careful when cutting the tips because if a leaf is broken it will turn yellow. The ideal is to cut with very pointed scissors so that you can cut precisely where one of the double leaves begins.

When is the best time to wire a Juniper?

The best time is when the tree stops growing as winter approaches when the branches can still be bent easily. With the cold, it will be more complicated.

How do I know when I have to transplant my Juniper bonsai?

We should transplant younger specimens every two years, and extend the time for older ones. The time for transplanting will be indicated when the tree is pushing the substrate out of the pot.

What substrate or soil should I use on a Juniper?

It definitely has to be a very draining substrate. Our recommendation is akadama and kiryuzuna.

How can I propagate a Juniper?

Cuttings, seeds or air layering, although it is not as easy as other species. How to plant juniperus, juniper, or cedar seeds

In case you want to plant seeds, we will explain the procedure step by step:

1. Leave the seeds to soak in a glass of water for 24-48 hours.
2. Discard the seeds that remain on the surface of the water; this means they have failed.
3. Prepare an airtight container that fits in the refrigerator.
4. Place the seeds in the middle of a paper towel soaked in water without dripping.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon on top to prevent fungus growth.
6. Leave in the refrigerator for one or two months.
7. Check for fungus, if necessary change the paper.
8. If any seed sprouts, transplant it into universal substrate.
9. If any do not sprout after two months, take the container out of the refrigerator and leave it outside; the heat may end up waking them up.

What pests and diseases can affect my Juniper bonsai?

If we do not have cultivation problems due to lack of light or poor watering, we should not have many problems. Although scale or mealybugs may appear.

What styles or shapes can be made with a Juniper?

It is a very versatile species but the most seen and outstanding are on stone or rock, double trunk or juniper forest.

What should I know before buying a Juniper bonsai?

You have to take into account the space where you will be able to place it, being a requirement that it is outside. In nurseries, you can find good seedling material for an economical price. Check our offers.

If you want to know more details about junipers you can check the entry on Wikipedia.

If you have any questions, leave us a comment! We will be happy to answer you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wind harmful to a Juniper bonsai?

Constant wind dries out the plants, but it must be said that Junipers are very resistant trees; in their natural habitat they withstand all types of climates.

My Juniper bonsai has lost its leaves. What could have happened?

The tree will be dead for sure. They tend to maintain their green color for a long time even after they are dead, so if the leaves fall, it is already too late. A symptom that the tree is well is that the tips look upwards.

What is a fair price for a creeping juniper?

About €10 for a 15-40 cm specimen is what is usually paid online. In a nursery, it may be less.

What is a fair price for a Juniperus procumbens nana?

Already answered in the previous question since the procumbens nana species would fall within the creeping ones.

My juniper bonsai has dry leaves. What could have happened? How can I save it?

It can be for several reasons, the most common is that the tree has not adapted well after a transplant, either because we cut too many roots without balancing by cutting leaves, or we changed too much substrate.

Another factor may be the lack of light. The Juniper dries the internal leaves that do not get light to concentrate all its energy on those that do; this is natural among conifers.

It should also be noted that this is an outdoor tree; indoors, sooner or later we will have cultivation problems that will affect the health of our tree.

My juniper bonsai has yellow leaves. Is there a solution?

Check the previous question.

How can I revive a juniper bonsai that is drying out?

When a juniper shows signs of drying out, it may have been dead for a month already; they take a long time to dry their leaves. In any case, to try to save it, we can keep it isolated from drafts and spray it every day to see if it reacts. Do not give it fertilizer, at most magnesium for conifers or vitamin B1 such as vitalbonsai, enraigard, benerva or superthive.