Aftercare Advice For Blue Star

Dank Piscean

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So I recently noticed these shrubs growing in my front yard and after some research found out they were juniperus squamata the blue star ones. I got excited since my only bonsai I really have is my procumbens nana and since the I saw a lone one off to the side I decided to carefully uproot and pot it it to eventually shape into a bonsai. I'm pretty new to this but I did a lot of research on after care and the dos and don't during the repotting process but would still like to know if theres anything more I could do to make sure its recovers in good condition. I've been keeping it outside in shade for a couple days since its repot and misting so that it doesn't loose as much moisture through its foliage. I also have a heat mat but thats inside and I'm not sure if bringing inside just to keep the bottom of the soil warm especially since its fairly warm in my house already especially compared to outside. I live in Zone 7a in NY and the wheather has been feeling more and more like spring but still just a couple more cold days to push through. Any advice I can do for my new blue star is very much appreciated it!
 

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Thatguy85

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When I collected mine, I planted them in a pumice based mix (Superdensa, that's equal parts pumice, zeolite and scoria) and they are doing really well. I misted them every morning and kept them in full sun. Good luck, I really like the colors on them, the foliage contrasts very nice with the bark! And I always keep them outside, I found them to be very hot and cold tolerant.
 

Japonicus

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Good luck with that one. The peat based soil mix will EDIT NOT work.

On your location NY zone 7...if you click your avatar at the top right of the page/account details, then scroll down to edit
your location and USDA Zone . It will keep the info under your avatar.

So your procumbens, how's that doing? What soil is it in and did you pot it up
or did it come in the soil that it is in now? How long have you had it?
When I collected mine, I planted them in a pumice based mix
This is best. Many when collecting will use straight pumice, but at least a bonsai soil with aggregate.
The peat based mix will not hydrate evenly, takes a long time to get it going actually, then slow to dry enough
which can lead to root rot. Soil with aggregate that can hold water and release it breathing, is solid advice.
If I had used this potting soil you have I would repot into bonsai soil ASAP removing any dead roots, and as much
of the peat I could keeping some original soil in the crown. Use aluminum wire to secure to the pot snug,
so that the trunk does not wiggle. It shouldn't need a rock atop the soil for security, but if the rock is just
because you like it, that's cool.
Misting several times a day is good advice as well.

I'm not saying repotting it will keep it from dying, but it is the only chance I see at survival.
I take it you have no bonsai soil? This will extend the chances of not surviving if you have
to order what you need unless there's a local bonsai club. New York is rich with bonsai enthusiasts,
so my bet is you have something close where you could get what you would need, if not an hours drive.
Otherwise reach out here, and maybe someone knows what local club or nursery could fix you up.
 
Last edited:

Dank Piscean

Seedling
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Good luck with that one. The peat based soil mix will EDIT NOT work.

On your location NY zone 7...if you click your avatar at the top right of the page/account details, then scroll down to edit
your location and USDA Zone . It will keep the info under your avatar.

So your procumbens, how's that doing? What soil is it in and did you pot it up
or did it come in the soil that it is in now? How long have you had it?

This is best. Many when collecting will use straight pumice, but at least a bonsai soil with aggregate.
The peat based mix will not hydrate evenly, takes a long time to get it going actually, then slow to dry enough
which can lead to root rot. Soil with aggregate that can hold water and release it breathing, is solid advice.
If I had used this potting soil you have I would repot into bonsai soil ASAP removing any dead roots, and as much
of the peat I could keeping some original soil in the crown. Use aluminum wire to secure to the pot snug,
so that the trunk does not wiggle. It shouldn't need a rock atop the soil for security, but if the rock is just
because you like it, that's cool.
Misting several times a day is good advice as well.

I'm not saying repotting it will keep it from dying, but it is the only chance I see at survival.
I take it you have no bonsai soil? This will extend the chances of not surviving if you have
to order what you need unless there's a local bonsai club. New York is rich with bonsai enthusiasts,
so my bet is you have something close where you could get what you would need, if not an hours drive.
Otherwise reach out here, and maybe someone knows what local club or nursery could fix you up.
My procumbens is doing well and currently is in a training pot with bonsai soil (akadama, lava rock, and pumice even mix) I would've used that for this juniper but I was nearly all out so I had to mix heavily with standard potting mix. I could run down to the store tomorrow and buy some bonsai soil or straight pumice then repot if you think that'll give it a better chance at surviving. I've also tried not to prune any of the foliage because I know thats its important while its still developing new roots. I'll look out for any dead roots too. After this repot what would you suggest on placement? Keeping it in the shade would still be best?
 

Japonicus

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My procumbens is doing well and currently is in a training pot with bonsai soil (akadama, lava rock, and pumice even mix) I would've used that for this juniper but I was nearly all out so I had to mix heavily with standard potting mix. I could run down to the store tomorrow and buy some bonsai soil or straight pumice then repot if you think that'll give it a better chance at surviving. I've also tried not to prune any of the foliage because I know thats its important while its still developing new roots. I'll look out for any dead roots too. After this repot what would you suggest on placement? Keeping it in the shade would still be best?
Definitely outdoors, morning Sun, mid afternoon on, shade, misting frequently.
I find 100% pumice I find expensive for large grow boxes, and have never used it straight personally
but the pros do. Those who go on collecting adventures and are experienced with it.

Blue Star is not my forte but aftercare is same as any other juniper I’m sure.
I would put the trunk at some angle if you do repot.
If you are inclined to go cascade, the pot it is in, is fine to adjust the planting angle
and grow out several years. I’m hoping this was just repotted in the last day…
 
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