Hello everyone, I am glad I found the forum as I am totally new to the wonderful world of Bonsai.
I just received this tree from a friend. They have a had it for about 8 yrs and it has not had any care except for being watered. To me, it looks over grown and needs some TLC. However I am not sure what really needs to be done. I am assuming that it needs to be re-potted and some fertilizer as well as some grooming. Also I am not too sure what kind of tree this is, I think it is a Juniper nor do I have any idea how old it really is. Like I said previously my friends had it for 8 yrs and they got it from a friend who had it for a while but they don't remember how long. And honestly, I not sure it really matters if I do know they age of this tree.
Also, I am in Brooklyn, NY and want to know if I can keep this outside. The best light is at the back of my apartment and there is a fire escape I can keep it on or I could put it on the roof. Just not sure what temperature is best for this type of tree.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Shannon
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heatmizer101
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:39 am
- Location: Brooklyn
Hey heatmizer101,heatmizer101 wrote:Hello everyone, I am glad I found the forum as I am totally new to the wonderful world of Bonsai.
Welcome,
First off: Thank you for the pictures though unfortunately your first link and also the last two links do not work.
I just received this tree from a friend. They have a had it for about 8 yrs and it has not had any care except for being watered. To me, it looks over grown and needs some TLC. However I am not sure what really needs to be done. I am assuming that it needs to be re-potted and some fertilizer as well as some grooming. Also I am not too sure what kind of tree this is, I think it is a Juniper nor do I have any idea how old it really is. Like I said previously my friends had it for 8 yrs and they got it from a friend who had it for a while but they don't remember how long. And honestly, I not sure it really matters if I do know they age of this tree.
, Age does not matter, It is a Juniper.It would be better for the tree to clear the soil of all the paraphernalia.
You mention that it may need repotting, When was it last repotted?
I imagine it will most likely need a more appropriate soil mix- See the links provided
Fertilizer is not a cure-all band aid for all that ails trees so do not worry about that for the moment.
This tree needs to be outside all year round always.Also, I am in Brooklyn, NY and want to know if I can keep this outside.
Here is a care sheet about it: 8)https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html
Here is an entire page full of articles about bonsai: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html I suggest that you primarily focus on the ones on Bonsai Basics, Beginners Care, Repotting, Soil, & Watering. Focus mainly on the last two for now as they are very important.
More about soil and repotting: https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3423
Nor have you given us any idea of what temps/light exist in either spot...?The best light is at the back of my apartment and there is a fire escape I can keep it on or I could put it on the roof. Just not sure what temperature is best for this type of tree.
See the care sheet for some location/environment details.
ynot
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heatmizer101
- Newly Registered
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:39 am
- Location: Brooklyn
ynot,
Thank your for your reply.
About the temps here in Brooklyn. It gets quite cold here in the winter, down in the single digits sometimes. I did read the links you gave, again thanks for those, and they say that the tree should and can stay out all the time in temps down to 14 F.
The tree sits on a fire escape that faces South so it will get plenty of sun through out the day.
As far as potting goes, I just got the tree 2 weeks ago. I do know that my friend has had the tree for about 8-9 yrs and it has never been repotted. On that note, the tree did not receive any care aside from watering. It sat in a green house, no pruning, no plant food no nothing. So I am positive it needs to be repotted but I am nervous about doing this but I will give it a shot as I know it desperately needs it.
It does look to be over grown quite a bit so I know it needs some pruning but don't want to over do it. Any good advice from experience is greatly appreciated.
I will finish looking through all the links you gave me and soak up all the knowledge I can to help this tree live a healthy life.
Thank your for your reply.
About the temps here in Brooklyn. It gets quite cold here in the winter, down in the single digits sometimes. I did read the links you gave, again thanks for those, and they say that the tree should and can stay out all the time in temps down to 14 F.
The tree sits on a fire escape that faces South so it will get plenty of sun through out the day.
As far as potting goes, I just got the tree 2 weeks ago. I do know that my friend has had the tree for about 8-9 yrs and it has never been repotted. On that note, the tree did not receive any care aside from watering. It sat in a green house, no pruning, no plant food no nothing. So I am positive it needs to be repotted but I am nervous about doing this but I will give it a shot as I know it desperately needs it.
It does look to be over grown quite a bit so I know it needs some pruning but don't want to over do it. Any good advice from experience is greatly appreciated.
I will finish looking through all the links you gave me and soak up all the knowledge I can to help this tree live a healthy life.
Your welcome.heatmizer101 wrote:ynot,
Thank your for your reply.
Outside all the time. [Period. Consider that actual full sized Junipers live outdoors [As do all trees] - Yours is no different except for it's size. It's comfort zone RE: low temps is not quite so extensive due to the roots having less protection in a small pot {as opposed to the ground}.About the temps here in Brooklyn. It gets quite cold here in the winter, down in the single digits sometimes. I did read the links you gave, again thanks for those, and they say that the tree should and can stay out all the time in temps down to 14 F.
There are some relatively simple ways to give it the small amount of protection it will require though- More on that later.
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The tree sits on a fire escape that faces South so it will get plenty of sun through out the day.
First you need to research soil, Repotting into inappropriate medium will do the tree no favors.As far as potting goes, I just got the tree 2 weeks ago. I do know that my friend has had the tree for about 8-9 yrs and it has never been repotted. On that note, the tree did not receive any care aside from watering. It sat in a green house, no pruning, no plant food no nothing. So I am positive it needs to be repotted but I am nervous about doing this but I will give it a shot as I know it desperately needs it.
Ok, The pictures you posted are from within the last two weeks correct? As noted on the [url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Juniperus.html]species guide[/url], Do not use clippers/scissors to prune Junis [This causes browning on the tips]. Pinch the foliage with your fingers. Not really quite sure what to tell you as far as 'too far'. Pinch it back all over and it will respond with new growth. [url=https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Pruning3.html]See the bottom of this page.[/url]It does look to be over grown quite a bit so I know it needs some pruning but don't want to over do it. Any good advice from experience is greatly appreciated.
OK, It will most likely lead to more questions...I will finish looking through all the links you gave me and soak up all the knowledge I can to help this tree live a healthy life.
ynot