AusBonsai

Hi

I had collected a wild juniper that grew very vigorous in the home garden.

At the start of spring i had tranplanted it into its 1st pot filled with 50% diatomite and 50% zeolite..

The tree has not recovered well and is quite brown with no growth.

Any uggestions?

Also i recenty put a lot of water crystals into the mixture which swells up the potting mix significantly.. is this bad for junipers?

hello specimen
A picture would help . Junipers don't like wet roots those crystals are a bad idea . The mix you had it in sounded ok . junipers can die and still look alive for a long time after.sounds like you suffocated the trees roots in water.If its a good tree and you want to try save it you could do an emergency repot planting it in a ultra fast draining mix. course sand is what i think is recommended.but course diatomite and fish tank gravel could work . and more importantly be very diligent with watering letting it nearly dry before watering .

Water crystals, as paul said, is not recommended in Bonsai. They swell and suffocate the tree. I would do an emergency repot now into a free draining mix misting regularly and keep your fingers crossed. I definitely concur with Pauls advice

G thanks Guys! Much appreciated.. I'll repot tonite