Help bonsai dying no idea how to look after it

[Jarad]

Every bit of work you do on a tree stresses it out, especially a root prune. No growth after 4 weeks isn't a bad thing, browning needles on the tips of branches after 4 weeks is a worry.

[melbrackstone]

I'm not sure I'd want to go back to that nursery if you've been made to root prune without taking off a good amount of top foliage at the same time! Root prune of juniper in late December seems risky at the best of times! crikey!

[Jag001]

There have been plenty of comments on the watering aspect for you tree, so I will not add to the sound advice already given.

I will however make some comment on the photo's. This tree appears to be a Juniper Procumbens, they are a very popular tree for bonsai enthusiasts and generally relatively hardy (unless they dry out).

Does the outer foliage on the tree feel a little brittle? it appears (to me in the photo's) to be a slightly lighter green colour than the inner foliage. This variety of Juniper will generally give you a pretty good idea relatively quickly if it is on its way to heaven due to heat stress, by the foliage becoming brittle.

Do not despair if the outer foliage is dry and brittle, the tree can sometimes be saved (if the inner foliage is still darker green and soft to touch) by watering as described and given time to recover.

good luck.

Jeff

[KirstieWilk]

I always have trouble with Junipers, even though I feel like they are well watered. Do they prefer a cool climate? I live in Mackay and my figs are thriving.


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[Jag001]

Kirstie,

I previously lived in Townsville and my Junipers loved the climate. Having said that there are so many different varieties of Juniper that generic statements like I just made are not much help to be honest.

Much will depend on the variety, your growing medium, amount of sun per day, watering habits and and and!

I always grew my trees in full morning sun through to late afternoon shade, during the hottest months, I would (generally speaking) hand water thoroughly every morning and feel the soil in the afternoon and determine if another water was necessary. I would also submerge water (submerge the entire pot in water) once per week to ensure that the soil did not ever dry out enough to repel water.

Cheers,
jeff

[BonsaiBuffoon]

I won't trouble you with more watering advice, but I can recommend some placement advice. My first juniper got absolutely scorched during a hot summer due to my own inexperience and poor placement. Since then I've always followed some self imposed hot weather rules and haven't had a death in the family since.

1. When it's over 30 degrees C, I just place them in full shade for the day (to my knowledge, no person or tree has suffered from a day in the shade)
2. When it's one of those ridiculous 38 degree days, I put them in full shade but on the ground (grass, soil or garden bed) to keep the soil temp down.
3. During summer I never sit them on concrete, tile, brick etc (timber benches only)
4. Before you go to work, tell them you love them and everything is going to be OK (optional)

[shibui]

38 is ridiculous We had 41 yesterday and my junipers (J. chinensis - shimpaku) sat in full sun all day. One cascade tree is sitting on a concrete block. Maybe it is not the position that's causing problems. I'd guess more likely not watering effectively

[KIRKY]

Agree Shibui
Cheers
Kirky

[Pearcy001]

All my trees also sit in full sun every day same as Shibui, although if it's over 41-42 I may move a couple of maples in to the shade if I have the time as I water by hand and work shift work - Think it may be time for me to look at investing in an automated watering system!

Everything from maples and elms, to figs and other deciduous/natives/evergreens. The Junipers appear to be the ones that enjoy the hot sun the most. As others have said, sound watering is a good thing to learn as the sun is what junipers require.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[BonsaiBuffoon]

Shibui, Kirky and Pearcy,

Fair enough. I'll just shut up now.

[treeman]

I've only got one thing to say if you leave a potted plant in full sun at 40C.....Tick - Tock.

[shibui]

I've only got one thing to say if you leave a potted plant in full sun at 40C.....Tick - Tock.

Maybe you should replace 'you' with 'I"

Beginners should err on the side of caution but it comes down to effective watering. I can show you trees that have been in full sun exposure, often well above 40C for many years and still alive and healthy. Just because it does not work for you don't discount the possibility.

[treeman]

I've only got one thing to say if you leave a potted plant in full sun at 40C.....Tick - Tock.

Maybe you should replace 'you' with 'I"

Beginners should err on the side of caution but it comes down to effective watering. I can show you trees that have been in full sun exposure, often well above 40C for many years and still alive and healthy. Just because it does not work for you don't discount the possibility.

Possibility being the operative word! The fact is, it is a risk. Why take it? I have seen pines and junipers get fried in those conditions and nothing to do with watering. Low humidity and strong UV were the causes.

[BonsaiBuffoon]

Agreed treeman. Simply not worth the risk. That was the point of my post.

I have several literati style junipers in shallow pots that dry out during the coarse of my 10 hr working day (obviously bigger trees cope better in harsh conditions). Even after a good soaking before work these delicate little dears are totally dried before I get home. Chucking them in the shade seemed like a no brainer to me.

I've read articles from bonsai professionals (with similar experience and credentials as shibui) in the UK who shade their junipers during hot conditions in a country where the sun and heat is not even comparable to aussie conditions.

Just sharing my limited experience but I'll definitely think twice about posting advice in future. Not the greatest response to advice I thought seemed reasonable.

Cheers

[Pearcy001]

Just sharing my limited experience but I'll definitely think twice about posting advice in future. Not the greatest response to advice I thought seemed reasonable.

People are just sharing there experiences as you stated you had yours. Its a forum, no need to get upset because someone disagreed with you?

Keep sharing all you can BB. If anything you've reminded me I should be taking more care of my tree's in the hotter months. Don't get disgruntled because others have different thought processes when someone seeks advice.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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