My Leaves of my Juniper are browning

surfn4life · Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:56 pm

I have a juniper tree that was given to me as a gift, and I have been watering it every day, I read that watering too much can kill them so I haven't been going crazy with the amount of water I give it. The leaves are browning at the tips on some of them. I haven't pruned it at all, but want to make sure the browning stops. Is this due to the amount of water I have been giving it, should I give it a lot, is it a sunlight issue, or possibly should I be giving it plant food mixed in with the water?

Rosaelyn · Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:19 pm

Watering on a schedule does not work for bonsai. You want to wait until the soil is almost dry before you water. When you do water, make sure you water until it runs out of the pot.

So, from how it sounds you are watering ATM - I would say more water, less often.

Good watering advice is available on bonsai4me:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Watering.html

And on the Helpful Gardener's site:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/bonsai/03/care.html

Also, Juniper's are an outdoor tree, so moving it outside should make it more happy, as well.

Here is some good information on Junipers, in particular:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html

surfn4life · Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:28 pm

I haven't been letting the soil dry enough, which it sounds like I should. Thanks for the help, its truly appreciated!

I do have it outside, and it gets about 3-5 hours of direct sunlight every afternoon. Is this ok or should it get more or less light, sorry for all the questions

Rosaelyn · Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:42 pm

Well, whether it has scaly or needle-like foliage seems to determine its lighting requirements. If it has needle-like foliage, it will benefit from lots of sun. If it has scaly foliage, it might be better to leave it in a spot where it won't get scorched by the hot, afternoon sun.

Definitely glad to help. Hope this makes the lil guy happier. Keep us posted.

surfn4life · Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:48 pm

It has mostly scale like foliage, but also has some needle like foliage as well though it is not the dominant of the two. I will put it in a place where it gets less sunlight, that way my friend doesn't get scorched. Thanks again!