Chinese Juniper

Ren

Hello.

About 2 weeks ago, my cousin gifted me with a Chinese Juniper that she named Hector. According to the accompanying papers, the tree is approximately 7 years old. Said papers also stated that I should purchase a humidity tray, fertilize it every two weeks during peak season, water it twice a week, and keep it in a decent amount of indirect sunlight.

Apart from getting a humidity tray, I've done my best to follow these instructions, but nonetheless am terrified that I'm going to kill poor Hector. I have no luck with plants. Every single plant I have owned has died, even with good soil, roomy pots, neither too much nor too little sunlight, and filtered water.

Any assistance anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

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pootsie

Hi Ren.

In case you weren't told, your tree is not an "indoor" plant. Junipers don't fare well indoors. The humidity tray isn't too useful, btw.

pootsie

__________________
p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society

Ren

I had gathered that when reading other forum threads. I simply wasn't sure if it was all kinds of juniper. Hector already has gone dry in certain places, resulting in a needle-like sharpness. I did my best to remove these dead spots but feel terrible for the poor thing.

Perhaps it would be best to find the tree a better home.

Thank you for answering.

pootsie

Ren, I hate to tell ya', but when a junipeer gets crisp, it's most likely dead.
Is it gone dry all over?

The good news is you are now hooked on bonsai and can dive in headlong. Ficus and fukien tea are good for indoor cultivation, btw.

pootsie

__________________
p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society

Ren

Actually, Pootsie, it's not crisp all-over. I did remove the dead bits, though. There is still some springy green and what appears to be fledgling growth. The branches aren't supply but I'm not certain that they ordinarily are.

Anyway, my cousin said it was ok if I gave Hector to a better home, so I'm going to do just that.

Thanks for your help.