Bonsai ID and Qs

fishbone

Thanks for the encouragement! I plan on moving the bonsai from the location I have now, later on, when the weather warms up a bit. As it stands it's pretty much the only place, on my front porch, where it wouldn't be subject to the still freezing winds that are persisting around here. Once that goes away I have a couple of spots in mind where I'd wanna relocate the little guy.

Is the soil mix OK? It seems awfully quick to drain. Les basically told me it's next to impossible to overwater and/or cause root rot with this kind of stuff although that doesn't give me the green light to start pouring buckets of water on it I am very used to following routines, so it won't be a problem for me to water it 2-3 times a day as needed.

PatArizona

G'day Fish...

You should water when you bonsai needs water...and, each time you water, give it a good drenching.

Don't water on a schedule such as, "...once a day, come hell or high water...".

Also, don't wash away the soil.

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

fishbone

Wash away the soil? I don't follow.

SlapSlapSlappy

Just make sure when you're watering it doesn't overflow to the point when soil starts to come out.

fishbone

Gotcha.
Here's another question. Right now the little guy is just outside on my porch, in a corner, away from wind. No mulch, just in it's pot. The temps are fluctuating quite a bit. Low 30s in the morning, 50s in the afternoon. That a problem?

SlapSlapSlappy

Is this tree native to your area? If it is, I would say its fine. If you notice that the tree is looking sickly (leaves are dropping, crumbling), I would keep it in a garage or unheated area until the temperatures outside are a bit more stable.

fishbone

Well, so far so good it seems. I am continually misting the juniper whenever I have a chance as I was told it's good to take some stress of the roots?
Any tips on ferts? In addition to the tiny little yellow fertilizer pebbles, I also bought from the local nursery a fertilizer that is supposed to be used when root pruning and transplanting. I forget the name, but you're to dillute 6 tbsp per gal and it turns the water blue. Is that OK to use? How often?
I've read some here and I'll be switching to regular Miracle-Gro fertilizer after this stressful period has passed. How often should I dose though?

Dav4

For chemical feeds like miracle grow (I use peters 20-20-20...same stuff really) I use half strength and apply every 7-10 days from spring to fall. I don't withhold fert after re-potting, either.


Dave

fishbone

Oh boy ... some trouble. I moved the bonsai on my deck so it could
a) get morning sun
b) get some natural rain
Our Westie puppy found it particularly fascinating and completely uprooted it and also managed to tear up about 10% of the fine roots. She was lucky my wife got home and intercepted me while I was running for my katana ...
Prior to today the little tree showed signs of getting better by shooting some fresh darker green growth.

Is there anything else I can do to aleviate this second repotting shock? I also noticed that a larger root was chewed clean of the bark and was exposed. The soil is pine bark and haydite so it is well draining yet I am concerned about rotting. Should I take the tree out of rain? We're expecting rain for Thursday, Friday and maybe Saturday. Temps will be between 32-49 Thur, 29-40 Fri [snow showers] and 31-41 Sat.

I have some Earl May Plant Start, should I dose according to instructions with every watering or just let the rain do it's thing? How about a preventative substance for root rot or other problems?
While I am concerned, I have a feeling the tree will pull through.