I need help saving these trees; please, I need advice!

[Norsemen24]

So, a work buddy of mine bought these junipers, thinking he could keep them indoors under a weak grow light. And of course, it only took a month or so for them to start slowly dying. From what he told me, he kept them like that for about 2 months and then set them on the porch to try to save them. They stayed on that porch for about 6 months. The problem was that the porch only got a couple of hours of sunlight, later in the day, as the sun was setting. So they slowly got worse. They got to a point where he figured they were a lost cause and was going to get rid of them.

I have a few trees I care for, so he gave them to me. For the most part, all I've done is set them out with my other trees that get good direct sunlight the entire day. This is in Florida, by the way, forgot to mention that. So after a few months, they started to get new growth, but after I cut off all the dead, they are pretty bare. They are alive, I can scratch the bark everywhere and see fresh green underneath. I keep the soil watered properly according to all the reading I've done. They don't seem to be really bouncing back, though.

At this point, I really don't know what to do. I'm relatively new to caring for bonsai myself, and I'm unsure if there is any way to save these trees. I also don't know what steps to take to give them the best chance. I really could use some direction from you masters out there. Please, any insight or direction would be very helpful. I can provide more/better pictures if needed. I really want to get these guys back to bushy and beautiful.

 

[bwaynef]

Sun, water & fertilizer + however long it takes.

 

[stubmle]

They're alive! Just need to keep them that way. Agree with Bwaynef, give them sun, water, feed, and let them be. In a year's time they will probably look much better.

 

[rockm]

Wouldn’t get too attached to them. They’re pretty far gone unfortunately

Water when they need it. Keep a close eye on soil moisture. Shouldn’t stay soggy or dry too much. Partial shade and in The afternoon. Don’t be tempted to mess around with them. No trimming misting etc. let them be except for making sure water needs are met

 

[nuttiest]

looks like its still under roof as the sun shadow is about 10 ft away. May be better back at your friends where it can get 2 hrs.

 

[Esolin]

New growth is a good sign. You're doing the right things, it's just going to take a while. It can take years for a juniper to bounce back to bushy and healthy from a near death experience. Their energy reserves are completely drained right now, and with so little foliage left, it will take a long time for them to 'recharge'. A year or two is common, but I had one sulk for about 5 years after bad treatment.

But they are alive. As long as no other stresses befall them, (like summer heat shock, root rot from overwatering, fertilizer burn, etc) they may recover.

 

[BrightsideB]

Good luck.

 

[Norsemen24]

looks like its still under roof as the sun shadow is about 10 ft away. May be better back at your friends where it can get 2 hrs.

I moved them to take pics. They are in open sunlight all day..