I have a Juniper Bonsai tree that I currently keep inside. I live in Las Vegas and am wondering if it is too hot to put it outside. Also, the little green prickley needles are starting to fall off. What should I do? I water it as I was instructed every 4th day. I submerge the pot in water....covering it 1 inch over the top of the pot and soil. Is there anything else I should be doing at this point? Please help me!
Thanks!
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opabinia51
- Super Green Thumb
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- Joined: Thu Oct 21, 2004 5:58 pm
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Okay, first of all: Watering
Trees don't work on a schedule. You shouldn't water it every certain number of days. What works best is to test the soil with a toothpick of choptick by immersing the wood into the soil and pulling it out. If the soil sticks to the wood, you don't need to water.
I have found that the best way to water is to immerse the entire pot into the sink filled with water. Just enough to cover the pot. Leave it there fore about an hour and then, take it out. Your tree is now watered.
Juniper in Nevada? Well, that's a tricky one. It is more healthy for the tree to be outside but, I would personally recommend that you find a local bonsai club and ask them because I am not proficient on Juniper care in the dessert. Though, it is best to leave the tree outside, and the leaves are probably dropping because of the lack of airflow in your house. But, given that you live in an arid environment, I would recommend trying to grow a tree that is better suited to that environment.
Also, a weekly dose of organic fertilzer such as diluted liquid seaweed never hurts. Good luck with your bonsai! (I would really recommend trying to grow something that is better suited to your climate, you can grow out of climate trees but, it will be a million times easier to grow something that is suited to your area)
Trees don't work on a schedule. You shouldn't water it every certain number of days. What works best is to test the soil with a toothpick of choptick by immersing the wood into the soil and pulling it out. If the soil sticks to the wood, you don't need to water.
I have found that the best way to water is to immerse the entire pot into the sink filled with water. Just enough to cover the pot. Leave it there fore about an hour and then, take it out. Your tree is now watered.
Juniper in Nevada? Well, that's a tricky one. It is more healthy for the tree to be outside but, I would personally recommend that you find a local bonsai club and ask them because I am not proficient on Juniper care in the dessert. Though, it is best to leave the tree outside, and the leaves are probably dropping because of the lack of airflow in your house. But, given that you live in an arid environment, I would recommend trying to grow a tree that is better suited to that environment.
Also, a weekly dose of organic fertilzer such as diluted liquid seaweed never hurts. Good luck with your bonsai! (I would really recommend trying to grow something that is better suited to your climate, you can grow out of climate trees but, it will be a million times easier to grow something that is suited to your area)
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The Helpful Gardener
- Mod
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- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:17 pm
- Location: Colchester, CT
There are junipers native to the mountain areas around there so it should do okay, provided the watering needs are met (my lasrgest concern as you live in a low humidity area. Opa's point there is well taken; 4 days for me isn't the same as 4 days for you. Check the tree as noted, and the advice of a local bonsai club would be most beneficial as I too, have never cared for trees in a desert locale. More shade would probably be a good start, with frequent misting and regular, overhead watering, using the soakings as ther watering once a week or so.
Let us know how the tree is doing under this new regimen, and look for that club (Bonsai Clubs International would be sure to list one if it exists).
Good luck
Scott
Let us know how the tree is doing under this new regimen, and look for that club (Bonsai Clubs International would be sure to list one if it exists).
Good luck
Scott