A Weak Itoigawa

[roberthu]

I went to a local bonsai nursery yesterday and found this juniper. I like the trunk a lot and it’s a decent size. The trunk at the base is about 1” and I think it can make a good shohin in 5 years.

It has a lot of juvenile growth which indicates the tree is pretty weak. My plan is to keep it under full-sun. Water and fertilize regularly through out the year. Hopefully next spring it will recover and show strength.

The question I have is should I wait until next year to wire it or can I do some work this summer? I’d like to bring the top down further to make it more compact.

 

[Dav4]

I'd let it grow this summer unhindered with the plan of thinning and some structural wiring this fall. Fwiw, that plant doesn't look extremely weak... itoigawa throw juvenile foliage very easily and for multiple reasons. Just let it grow for now.

 

[leatherback]

Does not look weak to me. It could be they gave it a good trim last spring, causing the needle foliage.
If you let this grow for the year, perhaps consider potting it up in your substrate this spring so you know what the roots are like.

 

[roberthu]

I'd let it grow this summer unhindered with the plan of thinning and some structural wiring this fall. Fwiw, that plant doesn't look extremely weak... itoigawa throw juvenile foliage very easily and for multiple reasons. Just let it grow for now.

Yep. I am going to let it gain strength this year and repot next spring.

 

[roberthu]

Does not look weak to me. It could be they gave it a good trim last spring, causing the needle foliage.
If you let this grow for the year, perhaps consider potting it up in your substrate this spring so you know what the roots are like.

Thanks. I checked the substrate before purchasing and it is planted in pumic and bark mix. Drains very well so I am not too worried about roots. If I water correctly, the root should develop nicely.

 

[Bonsai Outeiro]

Starting to elongate, I see no problem. I would let it do its thing during this seasom and start to play after summer

 

[Paradox]

The question I have is should I wait until next year to wire it or can I do some work this summer? I’d like to bring the top down further to make it more compact.

FYI you should do wiring in the fall and early-mid winter. Never in the late spring and summer.
Wiring and bending branches at this time can cause the bark to slip on the branch and kill the branch

 

[roberthu]

FYI you should do wiring in the fall and early-mid winter. Never in the late spring and summer.
Wiring and bending branches at this time can cause the bark to slip on the branch and kill the branch

Thank you! I thought mid to late summer was the time to do the work. I will wait a bit longer.

 

[roberthu]

Starting to elongate, I see no problem. I would let it do its thing during this seasom and start to play after summer

Cool. I saw the juvenile growth and thought it was a sign of weakness. Glad it is healthy!

 

[leatherback]

FYI you should do wiring in the fall and early-mid winter. Never in the late spring and summer.
Wiring and bending branches at this time can cause the bark to slip on the branch and kill the branch

A little more nuance.. DO not do big bends. But maintenance wiring is done throughout the year. For deciduous wiring is about to start again on the young growth.

 

[Paradox]

A little more nuance.. DO not do big bends. But maintenance wiring is done throughout the year. For deciduous wiring is about to start again on the young growth.

I should have clarified that I meant only for junipers. I have had branches die that were wired/manipulated too late in the spring.

 

[leatherback]

I should have clarified that I meant only for junipers. I have had branches die that were wired/manipulated too late in the spring.

Also for juniper I would say, refrain from big bends and primary stylings. but maintenance wiring seems fine here!

 

[roberthu]

A little more nuance.. DO not do big bends. But maintenance wiring is done throughout the year. For deciduous wiring is about to start again on the young growth.

Good to know!