Tom: First, we spell it bonsai rather than bonzai.
Now, I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you did
not kill it by failing to fertilize. The bad news is that any crispy juniper is a
dead juniper. By the time it gets to that stage, it has been deceased for a while.
Any evergreen will stay green for a few weeks even after cutting off all the roots,
but it is still just as dead as your Christmas tree.
No need to feel ashamed and stupid. We've all killed a tree or two.
They're really easy to keep alive, but they're also easy to kill. C`est la vie. If
you need somebody to blame, I'd look to your vendor who gave you flawed
instructions. Watering by submersion, for example, is not a good practice. You can
do it once in a while with no problem, but watering that way routinely will result
in compacted soil with poor aeration for your roots. You should let the soil get
dry, but not bone dry, in between waterings. Then water from above, as nature
usually does with rain. Use a watering can or sprinkler attachment which makes fine
droplets, so you don't erode the soil.
Also, avoid watering on a schedule. Instead, try to water when the tree
needs more water. You can tell that by sticking your finger (or a stick) in the
soil a couple of inches. If it comes up dry, you need to water. If it comes out
with moist soil clinging to it, it does not need watering at that time.
The instructions at least said to put the tree in "mild sunshine", but it
should clarify that this means outdoors, not on a bright windowsill.
I recommend that you try again. This time, crate your own bonsai with a
juniper or other tree which you get from a local nursery. Check to see if there is
a nearby bonsai club, because these things are best taught in person. You can look
for clubs at
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/clubs~1.htm or
http://www.absbonsai.org/clubs.html .
In addition, try out the course available at our IBC website. You can find
out step-by-step how to create a juniper bonsai from Herb Gustafson's on-line bonsai
course at:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/cl...niclass01.html
Good luck. Show us the results at:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ag...rnetbonsaiclub
Cordially,
Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA
http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com
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CrymeLord wrote:
My wife and I bought a nice juniper a few months ago. We were told to
water it three times a week (which according to the instructions we
had, meant submersing the plant up to the base of the trunk pot and
all for about 5 minutes.), and giving it moderate sunlight.
We tried to do this as much as possible. A few weeks ago, we noticed
that at the base of some of the branches the leaves were turning light
brown (not good). We figured we weren't giving it enough light, and we
tried to correct.
Now, the tree is kind of sickly looking. While still green, it is
brittle. Reading some more of the literature that came with the plant,
I found out that we should have been fertilizing it every other week.
We haven't done that at all.
I feel stupid and ashamed. Does my tree sound dead to anyone out
there?
If there is still a chance to save it, what can I do? If I need
fertilizer, is there a specific kind that I need.
Any information would be appreciated and helpful. The tree is/was
about 17 years old and I'd love to find a way to revive it.
Please respond to this message, and/or to my personal e-mail address:
Thanks a bunch,
Tom
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