Juniper sick ?

[MrBeto]

Wifey gave me a juniper as a present last december. I remember it was bright green. I removed all of the classic glued rocks on top, repotted it with Hoffman's bonsail soil mix, and I have been fertilizing it with bonsai pro dyna-gro 7-9-5. I can see new buds growing in the trunk, but the tree does not look green bright right now, or it is just me. Lower branch tip looks somewhat discolored. Am I doing something wrong ? I diluted 1/4 teaspoon in a water gallon, for watering and misting. Or should I use plain water ?

 

[Cadillactaste]

I see new growth on the photo your claiming concern with. They can shed old needles. I'm curious if that's what is going on. Someone else may see something. But...it's slipping past me. I see a healthy tree.

 

[MrBeto]

I see new growth on the photo your claiming concern with. They can shed old needles. I'm curious if that's what is going on. Someone else may see something. But...it's slipping past me. I see a healthy tree.

When I repotted it, I trimmed a bit the rootball. Roots were quite long. What do you think about the fertilizing ? Too much ?

 

[Cadillactaste]

As long as you didn't do a full bare root...I'm sure you're good. As to fertilizing...I'm not familiar with that brand. So I honestly can't say. But it appears healthy. Which is a good thing. How long ago was the repot?

 

[MrBeto]

As long as you didn't do a full bare root...I'm sure you're good. As to fertilizing...I'm not familiar with that brand. So I honestly can't say. But it appears healthy. Which is a good thing. How long ago was the repot?

Almost 2 months, give it or take.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Almost 2 months, give it or take.

Did you do a complete bare root? Seems fine to me. With the new growth and all. If your concerned...maybe hose it down with a good spray of water. They like to take in moisture from their foliage. It also chases any spider mites. Heard that tip from another bonsai guy not long ago. Spider mites are the thing to watch for with junipers. But...don't fret...I don't think you have spider mites.

 

[MrBeto]

Not a full bare root. I always mist it at night when I come back from work. It's just that it doesn't have that green bright it used to. Maybe it's just me. I just joined the Houston Bonsai Society, and I hope to be able to assist to the meetings and workshops. It is my chance to learn more about bonsai.

 

[thomas22]

It looks fine to me. The first pic is just shaded needles turning brown. The second pic doesn't look like anything bad. I use regular tap water.
It sounds like you are doing a lot of things right including joining a club.

 

[MrBeto]

It looks fine to me. The first pic is just shaded needles turning brown. The second pic doesn't look like anything bad. I use regular tap water.
It sounds like you are doing a lot of things right including joining a club.

Yes sir ! I can't wait to the next meeting ! I'll bring along my juniper and a jbp. I gotta learn about decandling and stuff.

 

[markyscott]

Yes sir ! I can't wait to the next meeting ! I'll bring along my juniper and a jbp. I gotta learn about decandling and stuff.

I'll be teaching decandling at the study group in July. Bring your tree to the club meeting by all means, but March is way too early to decandle in Houston. Watch the facebook page for details on the study group meeting.

 

[MrBeto]

I'll be teaching decandling at the study group in July. Bring your tree to the club meeting by all means, but March is way too early to decandle in Houston. Watch the facebook page for details on the study group meeting.

I will @markyscott. It has some wire scarrings, and some left, but I got it like this. Can't wait to meet you sir.

 

[Cadillactaste]

@MrBeto ...I'm wondering if the change of foliage color is but younger foliage hardening off and maturing. As you notice the new growth is a different color.

Glad you have a club near you...to take advantage of classes and such.

 

[MrBeto]

@MrBeto ...I'm wondering if the change of foliage color is but younger foliage hardening off and maturing. As you notice the new growth is a different color.

Glad you have a club near you...to take advantage of classes and such.

I think I'll just keep on watering it, and stop using the dyna-gro fertilizer, until I attend the meeting. Or, what would you think I should do, sir ?

 

[Cadillactaste]

I think I'll just keep on watering it, and stop using the dyna-gro fertilizer, until I attend the meeting. Or, what would you think I should do, sir ?

Honestly...it's been two months since repot...and it's pushing growth. I would continue your fertilizing regiment. I see no reason to stop. It looks like it's happy with your care offered. No one has seen an issue...I would try not to overly concern myself. What I would do...is use it as an excuse to buy another tree. Another to tend to get my mind off of it.

~enjoy your journey.