URGENT-Juniper Care-URGENT

mkingiii

I have two japenese junipers. They were both perchased at "Japan" in Disney World, so they were both of medium size and good quality. The first was gotten about 2 years ago and the other was gotten this past Thanksgiving. The first one, as it was my first bonsai, had problems. I believe it was underwatered and started to die. The foliage turned yellow and fragile and fell off, in addition the ends of some of the branches started to shrivel. However, I didnt give up on it and it appears to have servived as new growth has resumed and I have had it for 2 years know. This brings me to the second bonsai. As I was more experienced I didnt have any problem with is until recently. Iam a college student and took them both home for christmas break. However I was forced to leave them at home for about two weeks when I returned to school. As a result I dont think they were properly watered, if at all. So this brings me to my present problems.

The first bonsai, which is smaller than the second, is still green and the foliage is still suple. However, all of the second bonsai's foliage has turned greenish yellow and has become brittle. The ends of the branches have not started to shrivel but Iam worried. Also, there appears to be some fine webbing in a patch on foliage on the second bonsai. I have removed the webbing several time but it keeps returning, I have inspected the plant but can find no insects. So I have questions:

1. Since the foliage on the second bonsai looks to be dead or dying does it no longer serve its nutrient function for the plant, and should I remove all of the foliage to provide for new growth. Or does the bonsai still need the foliage even though it appears to be dead.

2. How can I save the second bonsai. Also how should I treat the potential insect problem since I can see no signs of them other that webbing.

3. Iam interested in repotting the first bosnsai, as the rocks have become discolored and I think it would well serve the bonsai. However, Iam inexperienced at repotting/soil preparation. I would like to know what kind of soil to purchase and how firmly to pack the soil. Also should the roots be trimmed,and if so how do I determine what to trim.


Thanks

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jloeschner

mkingiii,

I have several junipers, and from the sound of your description, I would say that your tree has a case of spider mites. There are several things you can do to get rid of them. In my case, I use a mild soapy solution, made by mixing 1 Tsp liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of water. I then spray the tree with this solution once or twice a day until the problem goes away. I make sure NOT to douse the tree with this solution, and to keep as much of it out of the soil as possible. My last experience with this bug took me about two weeks to finally run them off. If this sounds too "homemade" for your tastes, then you can get a mild insecticide at your local department store and follow its directions for application.

Hving said that, let me stress to you the importance of owning a good bonsai book. Since you have had one of your trees for about a year, then you should really consider the idea of learning how to properly care for it. There are several good beginner books on the market, and I believe that most of them will touch on the basics of soil, pests, repotting, and various species care information.

One more thing...do you have a picture of your trees? Pictures are much more helpful than written descriptions when asking for help. With that in mind, from your description, it sounds like one of your trees may already be dead. A crispy, brown juniper is often a sign that the tree has been dead for some time. Junipers tend to die and remain green for a while, so that you think that they are still alive. By the time they start turning brown, it is WAY too late to save them. Of course, without a pic, we cannot tell the true status of your tree, and it may still be alive.

Anyway, I hope this helps you a bit. Good luck, and welcome to BonsaiTalk!

Regards,
John

__________________
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.

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mkingiii

First, thanks for the suggestion about the soap solution, and I looked for spider mites but as I said I do see any insects. No, I dont currently have any pictures of my bonsai, but could get some. I have been given several bonsai for beginer books as gifts, but none are all too specific when it comes to detailed care of junipers, other than when to water and where to put them. At least the ones I have anyway, I would be glad to take the name of a better one. Secondly, the first bonsai, which I have had for two years, seemed to die at first after about a few months of my getting it due to improper watering on my part since it was my first bonsai. It looked dead, it had yellow dry "dead" foliage and the branches started to shrivel, and based on what I have read at various forums, the advice would have been give up on it because its dead and there is no saving it. However, like I said I did not give up on it and although the tips of some of the branches are still shriveled and may very well be dead, the bonsai has come back to life and has new lush green foliage. So with that said, my second bonsai, through minimal fault of my own is now "dead" as many would call it. But I know from experience that it can be saved. What I need to know is how can I better save it, and prevent some of the branch death that occured when my first bonsai, as a result of my inexperience, met a similiar fate.

mkingiii

Also the juniper isnt brown yet, its a green yellow color. the foliage is brittle though.

jloeschner

mkingiii,

That is interesting. Unfortunately, I am not sure how to bring a juniper back "from the dead", since I have never tried. It sounds as if you have more experience at this feat than I have. However, if I were to try, I would probably just closely watch my watering habits, and place it in bright, indirect sunlight in an outdoors setting.

As for the invisibility of the web-makers, spider mites are very small. You can check for them by gently shaking a branch over a white sheet of paper. IF the paper becomes speckled with reddish brown specks, then you can reasonably assume that your tree has a case of the crabs (spider mites).

The book question is easy. My first bonsai book, and still my favorite, since I don't have Naka's yet, is Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson. It is a virtual mini-encyclopedia of bonsai information, and has served me well.

Good luck with you tree, and I hope you figure out how to save it.

John

__________________
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.

QUI ME AMAT, AMAT ET CANEM MEAM

jguyett

You mentioned rocks discoloring. Do you have a covering of rocks on the top soil that are glued together, if so they should be removed immediately, they are why your trees aren't getting any water.
There is no mention in your post of where you are keeping these junipers, they are not house plants, they should be outside. Unless you live in an arboretum, they won't survive long if you keep them inside.

jg