Procumbens Nana Juniper seedling

[bonsaiguy67]

I bought two nana juniper seedlings and planted in regular potting soil. I have left them indoors the past 5 days to let the fluctuating temperature in GA level out. It is now 72 degrees and getting down to 55 degrees throughout the night. One looks to be growing fine under the grow light while the other has dullness and almost a grey color one some of the branches. Anyone have advice on watering or good soil for younger trees (only 4 inches in height). The first 4 photos are the tree with dull patches and the last 2 photos are the healthy looking tree. Thank you to anyone who replies

 

[bonsaiguy67]

Also it has been raining consistently here every few days and I’m afraid it may be too much water for the little tree. I don’t want it to get root rot getting an inch of rain every 2-3 days. What’s the best way to prevent this?

 

[Eckhoffw]

The soil doesn’t look great.
I’d repot them into any type of bonsai medium. For me, I’ve come to use a mix of pumice, lava, and akadama (oil sorb or something similar as a akadama substitute.)

You won’t have to worry about leaving them out in lots of rain when they drain well.

 

[bonsaiguy67]

I appreciate your quick response! I will try to get a mixture of those rock soon and replant. Is there any type of fertilization needed from it just being in rock? Or will it get all the energy needed from sun?

 

[Eckhoffw]

I appreciate your quick response! I will try to get a mixture of those rock soon and replant. Is there any type of fertilization needed from it just being in rock? Or will it get all the energy needed from sun?

It will need food. Since We are not using soil with added nutrients, you will need to feed them with some sort of fert.
Wait a couple weeks + after repot to feed.

 

[coltranem]

Just get them acclimated by increasing the exposure to the sun over the next week. A little more each day. Once they are acclimated they can stay outside

If the soil drains well I would not worry about changing soil now. I am not sure what size tree you are aiming for but these are likely going to need some growing. There are many options for fertilizer. If you are growing the tree out you don't really need to stress out too much on it. Just follow the package directions.

 

[bonsaiguy67]

I appreciate the replies! Y’all are saving trees one comment at a time

 

[bonsaiguy67]

It will need food. Since We are not using soil with added nutrients, you will need to feed them with some sort of fert.
Wait a couple weeks + after repot to feed.

Does this look like mold? It came like this through shipping and I haven’t determined if it’s normal from not having adequate sunlight or if the soil is staying too wet.