AusBonsai

Hey all,

Just had an urgent message from my cousin, after advice on his Juniper ... I fear it may be too late, but asking just incase.

Quick history: this tree was given to him years ago. It was repotted every few years for him. I haven't been around to his place in a while, due to lock down.

Just found out it hasn't been re-potted for 4 years, and was severly root bound. He's taken it out, trimmed the roots and soaking it in water for today, and put it in the shade. Though I would have thought the issue was more lack of water/fertiliser?

Question: There's a few tiny patches of green leaves, is there any chance it'll survive? If so, what should he do? Repot? Plant in the ground? My juniper/survival skills are a little lacking, so relying on the brains trust here.

Pic below, as it is today:
Thanks,
Daniel

Conifers are slow to show that they are sick and usually are way past the point where you can help by the time you notice. This has moved to a higher plane of existence.

I have killed more junipers than I have had flourish so can confidently say that this one is too far down the parhe to be able to salvage.

So on the bright side, might at least have a new pot?!

No tree is completely dead until it has had no leaves for a year. Even then a few hardy ones have astonished me with further growth.

Junipers don't fall into the hardy category as far as recovery goes but I have had a few recover after I thought they were dead so I would advise continue care until there's no green at all. Chances are the others are correct but there is still just a faint glimmer of hope for this juniper.

My best guess is the problem was lack of water. Something I have seen often at this time of year when we are still in rainy winter watering mode but the trees have started to grow rapidly and need more water coupled with longer days, more sun and less rain.
Root bound adds another level to the equation as there is less spaces for water to fill so each year the same pot can hold less and less water.

Immediate soaking is the correct first step for a dehydrated plant. Just tell him to continue care for a few weeks and see what happens. Fall back position is as you say- empty pot waiting for an opportunity.

no hint of green.....then there is nought to see the lighter shade of lime.

a shade of lime needs only time.

if only brown, smile upside down. Tho break a twig, and if see green colour, you may have save just saved another

Even if there is a small amount of green, it is unlikely to ever have enough energy stored to proceed and the strength is in the foliage with Junipers.

Pity after that time and care.

Grant

I've had 1/1.5 mm off shoot cuttings thickness of stem, stuck in the ground, no hormone, go brown ,save for the tips, lime colour and next year, green with yellow growth tips. Go figure

happy to show 2moro.

Thanks all ... will advise he repots then, and ensure it doesn't dry out, or stay too wet?

Or best bet, plant it in the ground?

Quick update, tree is on the ground and fingers crossed all round. Thanks again everyone for your experiences and insight!