Bonsai art does not stop at juniper, because the trees are perfect for Asian tree art due to their unconventional growth forms. Some species are particularly popular for their leaves and branching. Your care is easy.
The juniper is a popular bonsai
Appropriate species
Juniper is a genus of the cypress family that includes about 50 to 70 species. The shrubs are divided into two groups. In addition to species with scaly leaves, there are woody plants that develop needle-like leaves.
The common juniper (Juniperus communis) is the best-known species with needle-shaped foliage, found on open heathland and adorning many gardens. This species is ideal for beginners in the art of bonsai because it is easy to shape and forgives pruning mistakes. There are some species whose foliage turns purple to brown tones when exposed to frost.
Scaly foliage
Besides the common juniper, there are some related species with evergreen and scaly foliage that are also popular in bonsai cultivation. The Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is not only popular because of its Asian origin. The wood offers a variety of design options and can be grown as a shohin bonsai or as a large specimen.
The short-stemmed Shimpaku juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii) is the Japanese variety of Chinese juniper that allows extravagant designs. Its special feature lies in the idiosyncratic growth habit. Branches and trunk tend to grow horizontally. They can be wired well and formed into curved lines.
quality features
In order for a tree to function as a bonsai, it must have a number of properties. In addition to a stable root base, the quality features include a harmonious trunk rejuvenation and well-developed branches. The Chinese juniper is perfect as a bonsai as it grows very slowly and therefore requires little maintenance. Like the common juniper, it develops all the characteristics of an ideal bonsai.
The Shimpaku bonsai is an exception to these characteristics, as the species develops natural growth forms that do not correspond to the typical bonsai quality. The growth is characterized by a chaotically branched branch system. This variety develops shapes that other junipers struggle to achieve. Its beauty lies in the extraordinary shapes that are more clearly emphasized by wiring and cutting measures.
maintenance
Junipers must be cultivated outdoors all year round. They are not suitable as indoor bonsai because they need a light and airy place in full sun. Protect the bucket from frost in winter, as the substrate freezes quickly.
The trees have a moderate water requirement and can be kept a little drier. Drought is tolerated better than waterlogging. Allow the substrate to dry well between waterings. Spray the foliage regularly with water, because high humidity ensures lush growth.
How to fertilize juniper bonsai:
- once a month with organic fertilizer in the form of solid sticks
- every week with liquid fertilizer
- in spring with nitrogen-rich fertilizers