Hi there I just got my first bonsai and I hope to be able to keep it alive for many years. I live in Arizona and have a Juniper bonsai.
Some of the leaves near the branches are browning. Is this just normal browning?
Also some of the tips seem to be turning yellow as seen in the pictures, while most of them still are a vibrant green. Does this mean my bonsai Is starting to die, or is experiencing a problem?
There is a root that seems to be above the soil jutting out from the side of the trunk, is this normal? Should I remove it? If I can't how should I get it to go into the soil?
One last question, is this soil just regular potting soil? It seems to be retaining water more than a free draining bonsai soil would. Thanks in advanced for any light you can shed on this.
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anguyenASU
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- Location: Chandler Arizona
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Gnome
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- Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
anguyenASU,
Overall I think your tree is looking healthy and see no cause for great concern at the moment. The browning at the interior may just be part of the maturation process. Green growth eventually turns woody or lignifies.
I agree with your assessment of the soil, unfortunately this seems to be all too common with many vendors. The soil will need to be changed this coming spring. Did you begin your research on bonsai soils. If you don't want to go to the trouble of acquiring and blending your own there are commercial mixes available that should work for you.
In the meantime be very careful about watering too frequently.
Norm
Overall I think your tree is looking healthy and see no cause for great concern at the moment. The browning at the interior may just be part of the maturation process. Green growth eventually turns woody or lignifies.
I agree with your assessment of the soil, unfortunately this seems to be all too common with many vendors. The soil will need to be changed this coming spring. Did you begin your research on bonsai soils. If you don't want to go to the trouble of acquiring and blending your own there are commercial mixes available that should work for you.
In the meantime be very careful about watering too frequently.
Norm
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anguyenASU
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- Location: Chandler Arizona
Even in Arizona where I am sure it is much warmer than it is here in Michigan 
your juniper will still go through a period of dormancy. The days are shorter now than they are in the summer, and your juniper should be able to use this time to rest.
I would still wait until spring to do any repotting. It will be just coming back into its vigor and will be more able to cope with a repotting recovery.
your juniper will still go through a period of dormancy. The days are shorter now than they are in the summer, and your juniper should be able to use this time to rest.I would still wait until spring to do any repotting. It will be just coming back into its vigor and will be more able to cope with a repotting recovery.
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Gnome
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- Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
- Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A
anguyenASU, ,
Seeing a picture of the actual product would be useful. Even if you decide not to use it 'as is' you can always use it in conjunction with other materials to create a blend that is better for you. Also that mix might be more appropriate for other species, Ficus perhaps.
An appropriate soil for a Juniper will be comprised of relatively large particles. Look at this picture from one of our members.
https://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/cobra198/IMG_7178.jpg
It came from this post:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422
which you should read, if you have not already done so.
Not to sound like a broken record, but your climate will dictate many of the choices you will make. It would really be helpful to speak to someone with local experience.
Norm
From the description of the product I have a feeling that it would not be your best choice for a Juniper. The composted bark and pumice are appropriate, depending upon ratios and size of course, but the worm castings may slow drainage too much.I just got some black gold bonsasi mix,
https://www.sungro.com/products_displayRetailProduct.php?product_id=63&brand_id=13
Seeing a picture of the actual product would be useful. Even if you decide not to use it 'as is' you can always use it in conjunction with other materials to create a blend that is better for you. Also that mix might be more appropriate for other species, Ficus perhaps.
An appropriate soil for a Juniper will be comprised of relatively large particles. Look at this picture from one of our members.
https://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/cobra198/IMG_7178.jpg
It came from this post:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422
which you should read, if you have not already done so.
Not to sound like a broken record, but your climate will dictate many of the choices you will make. It would really be helpful to speak to someone with local experience.
Norm