How to Prune Juniper Bonsai for Windswept Style?

mixtapesyndicate · Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:32 pm

Ok so I'm trying to prune a juniper and I need some help before I go to far, I would appreciate ANY constructive criticism or advice on how to proceed. I am going for a slightly windswept look.

[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/anarchistsknhd/Bonsai/DSCN0015.jpg[/img]

[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/anarchistsknhd/Bonsai/DSCN0016.jpg[/img]

[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/anarchistsknhd/Bonsai/DSCN0017.jpg[/img]

^overhead view

[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/anarchistsknhd/Bonsai/DSCN0018-1-1.jpg[/img]

^curious about how to trim these sections

Rosaelyn · Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:51 pm

I like the movement you're starting on your tree - having the trunk lean to the right and the branches sweep to the left.

As far as pruning, just finger pinch out the foliage you wish to trim back. Using a pair of clippers would make the cut edges brown.

Good start. I find it helpful to study the tree (it's also mildly meditative) and discover what the tree and I agree is its shape. Then, continue to prune and wire. Just try not to readjust the branches too many times.

Happy styling! Definitely post more pics when you're done.

mixtapesyndicate · Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:33 pm

[img]https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/anarchistsknhd/DSCN0019.jpg[/img]

Well there it is potted and wired.

Rosaelyn · Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:36 pm

Very nice.

mixtapesyndicate · Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:56 pm

Thanks alot!

Gnome · Sat Oct 24, 2009 12:02 am

mixtapesyndicate,

I was rather surprised to see that you had re-potted this tree this time of year. Where, in general, are you located? How was the tree being kept before you purchased it and how do you intend to keep it over the winter?

Norm

mixtapesyndicate · Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:28 am

I'm in northwest Florida the plant was being kept outdoors in a nursery. I pruned and repotted it. Currently its indoors, but we'll see how everything goes. This is my FIRST bonsai.

Gnome · Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:31 am

mixtapesyndicate,

I'm in northwest Florida the plant was being kept outdoors in a nursery. I pruned and repotted it. Currently its indoors,

It really should be put back outside. Junipers are an exceedingly poor candidate for indoor culture. I'm not sure how well Junipers grow in your climate, lacking much of a dormancy, but I do know it won't do well inside. Search this forum for Juniper and read about all the people who have crispy Junipers and want to know how to revive them. By the time they get gray and dried out it is too late.

If you want to grow indoors look for tropical species, they should be relatively easy to locate in Florida. Ficus and Schefflera are two of the most common to start with but there are many others. If you are able to grow outside I would really consider that a first choice for most things, weather permitting.

I give you credit for creating your own tree rather than buying one of the small over-priced cuttings that pass for bonsai.

Norm

mixtapesyndicate · Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:31 pm

There used to be quite a few bonsai suppliers in this area, but sadly over the years they have all (most) gone out of business. I will put the juniper back outside ASAP we'll see how things go with it. Do you have any suggestions on where I can get a ficus? I havent been able to find any local, maybe though I'm just not looking in the right spots.

Thanks!

Carlos

Rosaelyn · Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:36 pm

Gnome pointed me in the direction of a great site:

https://www.meehansminiatures.com/

They have a good selection of several different types of ficus and all their trees come in several sizes.

mixtapesyndicate · Sun Oct 25, 2009 1:48 pm

"We ship plants to most of the contiguous states, but cannot ship plant materials to Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington due to restrictions."

Florida is on that list and thats sad. There is a guy here that I can deal with, but...hes kind of a crack pot. Something is better than nothing though I guess.

Rosaelyn · Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:41 pm

Bonsai Boy is where I got my Ficus Retusa:

https://www.bonsaiboy.com/catalog/product4513.html

[img]https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x103/littlegirl550/Bonsai/100_0762.jpg[/img]

I've found him to be a great tree, considering he's bigger than I had expected. I'll be working to improve his ramification by defoliating in the spring-summer, but only if he is looking vigorous. Right now, he seems pretty happy in my bathroom, where he gets a good dose of humidity on a regular basis but only so-so lighting. It should be better once he's outside in the spring.

Darn cold weather. lol

eBay is another good source.

djlen · Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:30 pm

Here is a supplier that I have just bought two trees from and I was blown away by the quality of the trees.
I bought a Fukien Tea and a Ficus nerifolia. Both are gorgeous and much nicer than I've found elsewhere. If you call you will speak with the owner/operator or his wife. It's a Mom/Pop operation...very nice people...and I have no connection with them or anything to gain by saying this.

I just think they deserve a plug. You will too.
The site (Ficus page):
https://www.miamitropicalbonsai.com/ficus.htm

Incidentally, I wanted the nerifolia and was disappointed by the seeming fact that the only ones they had were the 16" - 20' one on the bottom. He said he'd see what he had and would get back to me. Which he did and I bought one for $28 that is just much more than I expected.