The NO B.S. care guide to growing Juniper Bonsai for CANADIANS!
Juniper Bonsai are a great beginner Bonsai. With that said, this is NOT considered an indoor bonsai, so you do need to be mindful of its care. Like any plant, you can mimic its natural environment and raise indoors provided you replicate those conditions. During the summer, provide with 6 plus hours of direct sunlight or otherwise under a bright grow lamp. Keep humidity around 50-70% (slightly above the average home). During the winter, provide a necessary cold dormancy period; leave outdoors, with care to protect from frost, or leave indoors, providing a cooled environment. Read more in depth below.
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS (JOO-NUH- PER-US COM-MU-NIS)
ORIGIN:
NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, NORTHERN ASIA, AND JAPAN (ZONES 2-6)
SIZE (AS BONSAI):
HEIGHT: 1 – 6 FEET (30 – 183 CM)
DIAMETER: 1 – 3 FEET (30 – 40 CM)
SOIL:
Juniper Bonsai require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Use our Plant King Premium Bonsai Mix, which provides excellent drainage and aeration, ensuring your bonsai’s roots stay healthy and strong. Or make your own basic mix, with 50% Akadama, 25% Pumice, and 25% Lava Rock. The preferred soil pH for Juniper Bonsai is slightly acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5.
LIGHT:
Place your Juniper Bonsai in a location where it can receive plenty of bright, direct sunlight. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Outdoors is ideal, but a bright, south-facing window can also work if you’re growing it indoors.
WATER:
Juniper Bonsai prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure excess water drains away to avoid waterlogged roots. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the tree’s growth slows.
HUMIDITY:
Junipers prefer a moderate humidity level. Indoors, you can maintain this by placing a humidity tray filled with water beneath the pot or by misting the foliage occasionally. Avoid placing your bonsai near heating vents or drafts.
FEEDING:
Fertilize your Juniper Bonsai during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced bonsai fertilizer. Use Gaia Green Power Bloom 2-8-4 Fertilizer for optimal results. Alternatively, Gaia Green Organics All Purpose 4-4-4 Fertilizer, available in granulated and non-granulated forms, is a great option. Check out our fertilizers here.
PRUNING & TRAINING:
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of your Juniper Bonsai. Trim new growth back to keep the desired form. Wiring can be used to shape branches, but be gentle to avoid damaging the bark. Remove the wire before it cuts into the bark.
POTS:
Juniper Bonsai can be grown in various pot styles. Choose a pot that complements the tree’s style and allows for good drainage. Avoid pots without drainage holes, as they can lead to root rot.
WINTER CARE:
Juniper Bonsai are hardy but require protection from extreme cold. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below -10 degrees Celsius (pretty much all of Canada), consider bringing your bonsai indoors during the harshest winter months. Place it in an unheated room or garage where it can still receive some natural light. Alternatively, mulch the base and pot heavily and protect it with a burlap wrap if left outside.
F.A.Q:
Browning needles can indicate under-watering, over-watering, or poor drainage. Check soil moisture levels and ensure proper drainage. Adjust watering as needed.
While it is possible, Juniper Bonsai thrive best outdoors. If kept indoors, ensure it receives ample sunlight and proper humidity. Consider rotating between indoor and outdoor environments.
Regular pruning throughout the growing season helps maintain its shape. Light pruning can be done year-round to remove dead or unwanted growth.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If you are really loving learning about bonsai, consider joining a local club/society in your province, listed here;
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