Twisted Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai

These young shimpaku have been twisted and bent to give the tree interest.  Each tree is potted in a 4" Round Bonsai Shoes 3D Printed plastic pot.  The size of these trees would fit into the shohin or mame size trees (small - very small).  These trees range from 4" above the soil to about 8 inches depending on the bends and tip growth.  The trunks are mostly around 1/4". 
These were grown from cuttings, likely taken around 2020 and potted into these pots in mid 2024.  We take a picture on the side that is easiest to see the shape of the trunk.  The trunk was wired and shaped, but the branches have not been.    You can wire them or leave them be.  We do have one tree that was not wired, it was straight and looked like a formal little tree so we left it be.

Please Note:  Pictures were taken during late December 2024.  These trees are currently showing their dormant color (more brownish/purplish).  They will be bright green as soon as freezing temperatures subside in the spring or they are moved to a warmer climate.  This is normal with shimpaku over winter.

Junipers Bonsai Maintenance - Moderately Easy

Location - Full Sun during the growing season -  These are outdoor trees, all year*.  If kept indoors it will die.  They may be brought in for 2-3 days to display.  In climates with a cold winter (USDA zone 7 and below, this tree should be kept in a location out of the winter winds.  After the shimpaku goes dormant (when forest trees lose their leaves) the tree can be kept in an unheated garage, shed or other protected area until early spring.  If forest trees are budding, this should be fine to go back outside.

Water - Water should check water daily, especially during the growing season.  Water when the soil changes from dark to light, or feels dry 1/4" down.  You should continue to check water, even when dormant. Under watering is the most common reason junipers die other than keeping them indoors.  This tree is in a special pot that makes it very hard to over water during the growing season.

Fertilizer - Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.  We suggest organic fertilizers that have an NPK below 10-10-10.

Pests & Disease - The most common pests are spider mites, usually a problem in hot and dry weather.  The most common fungus is juniper tip blight.

Repotting - If the tree's soil is not absorbing water, it is likely time to repot.  This should be done no more often than every 2 years, but may be able to go many years before it needs done.

Wiring - I suggest watching Colon Lewis's Wire Video.
Wiring a juniper can be done much of the year.  I suggest avoiding spring as the bark can slip.  I also don't suggest attempting this when the tree is frozen.  The best time is early autumn to early winter.

Please Note:  We only ship healthy trees.  We have been growing and caring for bonsai since 2012.  By purchasing this tree, you understand that it is alive and it can die if not properly maintained.  You can not forget to check water or keep it indoors for any extended period of time.  If your tree arrives and does not look healthy, please contact us immediately.  We will advise as necessary.  We do not offer any sort of refund or credit for trees that don't make it.

We do NOT ship junipers to California due to state regulations there.  We also do not ship trees out of the continental USA.