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The Art Of Mini Bonsai Article
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Junipers: The Ideal Bonsai Plants
from: Lawn and Garden MagicJunipers are evergreen conifers that have rugged bark and short needle-like leaves. They make ideal Bonsai because of they're easy to care for and have a high tolerance for temperatures and humidity. They can be pruned into nice shapes and come in many varieties of junipers, however, Juniper Bonsai are best purchased as an established plant.
Here are the most commonly available ones.
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
This evergreen conifer has a conical shape and pale reddish-brown bark. Young leaves are short and needle-shaped but their color becomes harder and darker as the plant matures. The thick trunk is perfect for wiring into various shapes as it grows. There are several different forms of this plant available, some with gold colored leaves.
In summer, the plant appreciates full sun. During the winter season, it should be protected from harsh elements if you plan to leave it outside. Do make sure you keep the soil moist. Pruning should be done in fall or late winter. During the growing season you can pinch the new growth tips. This is a slow growing plant and will require repotting only every couple of years when young and even less as it gets older.
Needle Juniper (Juniperus rigida)
This conifer has slender needlelike light green leaves that are slightly prickly. The plant produces small green berries that turn deep purple as they ripen. The trunk is light colored and appears sculpted with deep ridges.
The needle Juniper needs full sun in summer and can withstand cold temperatures if left outside. Water moderately year round and prune the branches in autumn. Buds form at the base of each needle, which can be cut back as they grow if desired.
Californian Juniper (Juniperus californica)
This is a rugged conifer native to California and the Baja Peninsula. It produces berrylike cones that are actually edible. During the summer months, place the plant in a warm, wind-sheltered area. Avoid direct sunlight in winter. If left outside during the winter, it prefers a temperature between 45 -54 degrees Celsius.
This plant can easily be shaped by pulling leaves out, thus effectively thinning the plant. It's available as a regular houseplant and can be modified to an indoor Bonsai. When temperature are high, it's a good idea to mist the plant regularly. It can tolerate a large temperature range and prefers slightly moist soil.
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