I mostly have tropical's, with some azaleas and a few deciduous. Somehow I became the owner of two little Junipers. Two years ago we saw the mythical Bonsai guy in a white van when we were on vacation and my husband decided we needed one because it looked like "a real bonsai" in his opinion. Then last month a well-meaning friend bought me one for my birthday. Surprisingly, the one from the bonsai guy is in pretty decent soil. The birthday one, not so much. I would like to repot them both but am uncertain to when the best time for that would be without putting them in peril. I guess I could just google it but trust you all for personal experience. Any insights would be appreciated. I would post pictures but it's dark and one is in the garage.
Out of my comfort zone.
- Thread starter Carol 83
- Start date
n8
Chumono
Post pictures when you can, but you're probably coming up on juniper repotting time in your area. I'm sure you'll be fine. They're forgiving.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Hey Carol, we need pics!
Hard to give advice without knowing what the situation is. First repot? Rootbound? New potting angle?
Hard to give advice without knowing what the situation is. First repot? Rootbound? New potting angle?
Nybonsai12
Masterpiece
I always repot my junipers in spring usually about the same time as all my trees are waking up. after repot protect from any freezes Until safe to leave out.
I know, I know, but it's cold and dark. I doubt they're rootbound. One came from a rather large bonsai nursery in Mississippi without naming names but their soil is not ideal. I'll take pictures tomorrow!Hey Carol, we need pics!
Hard to give advice without knowing what the situation is. First repot? Rootbound? New potting angle?
Great, thanks. Seems like it will soon be a good time.
Wires_Guy_wires
Imperial Masterpiece
I've found junipers to be pretty relaxed when it comes to timing.
With some exceptions, like communis junipers.
I repot them when it feels like spring.
As for pruning, I'd do that after the first flush of growth has halted.
Wiring can be done throughout the year, but large bends are best saved for dormancy and be careful when you wire in the growing season because the bark can easily slip.
With some exceptions, like communis junipers.
I repot them when it feels like spring.
As for pruning, I'd do that after the first flush of growth has halted.
Wiring can be done throughout the year, but large bends are best saved for dormancy and be careful when you wire in the growing season because the bark can easily slip.
Scorpius
Chumono
Junipers are fairly easy. Don't let them dry out completely and lots of sun.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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Rule of thumb for me and juniper re-pots is that they get re-potted after I've re-potted everything else. In GA, that was typically now (Mid March) into April. Here in MI, I'm probably pushing that back 3-4 weeks, so mid April into early May and I suspect that would be good timing for you as well. Fwiw, junipers are pretty easy if you get them in good soil and keep them in full sun when temps are above 40 F. Good luck!
Ouch, hubby! But if it gets you into juniper... sometimes they look can like an old pine at a very young age
I know, guess he watched The Karate Kid one too many times!
Well if he starts calling you grasshopper...
Japonicus
Imperial Masterpiece
same here.
Carol I wouldn't repot the one in decent soil.
Not a good idea to repot 2 years in a row.
The growth tips should already look like
These tips are leathery now. When they're plump and juicy
and the water inside runs when you pinch one, it's time to already
have your pot, wire and soil ready.
namnhi
Masterpiece
I don't know what to say Carol.
wow me want to do that
BonsaiPoppie
Mame
I would start trimming them. My wife buys me trees and says, can you make this into a Bonsai.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
The second one looks a lot like one of my first “bonsai” procumbens cuttings in a pot.
My mother got it for me as a Christmas gift.
In its small container, it has not thickened up much at all. I think yours could end up to be a nice tree.
It's in the same pot and soil it was in two years ago. I haven't done anything with it. The reason I wanted to repot it is because the squirrels dug it half-way out and it needs to be settled back in properly.
