How To Train Bonsai From Temple Junipers

Temple Junipers or Juniperus Rigida is the family of Cupressaceae. The family comes from Japan, yet is grown in Korea and Manchuria, and currently in various parts of the world. When grown outdoors the Junipers grow up to 33-feet tall. Looking at the specimens as we speak, I would say this breed is one of the finest specimens to train as bonsai.

The tree has a majestic outline. The structure includes arched branch tips, descending arched side branches, and a foliage with a yellowish green shade. The plant pores or around the mouth of the plant is a light band. The plant grows berries, which turn green and black when the fruits begin to ripen. Temple Juniper needles have relating lines, which are narrow. The cones curve inward and are spiky.

To start propagation of this specimen you will need seeds, cuttings, layering, or nursery stocks. Care requires sunbeams, temperature, ventilation, potting, cleaning, re-potting, soil, pruning, wires, water, sprays, and feed.

How to propagate seeds:
In November, you want to start collecting Temple berries. If you are familiar with combing black berries or blue berries then you will not have a problem collecting the berries. Once you collect the berries, you want them to dry. Place the berries in a cool, aerial region. Once the berries dry place the cones in water and leave them there for two days and then grind and mesh them so that they are prepared for stratifying procedures. You want to plant the seeds in spring and germinate thereafter.

How to maintain your Temples:
Once you grow, and start training the Temple Junipers bonsai style you will need to place the young re-potted group in light, yet the light should not directly hit the plant. The Juniperus Rigida when matured can tolerate direct sunbeams however.

You want to protect the plant from extremely cold conditions. The plants are strong, yet it needs protection, since the needles and leading shoots will not stand up to freezing conditions. Ventilation is not necessary.

How to pot:
Rectangular pots are ideal for maturing plants. The plants require medium depth, yet you must re-pot the plant as it matures, transplanting it to a deeper container.

How to clean:
You want to mist-spray the plants in the summer months. Get rid of any dead wood or debris year round.

How to re-pot:
Bonsai growth quickly roots from youth. However, as the plant matures it slows its growth. The best time to re-pot the plant is in the spring.

How to soil:
The plant does best in 1/3 loam, sand course, and leaf mould. Use calcium carbonate or limestone soil, such as the calcareous permeable.

How to prune:
The trunk may have roots growing, which you should get rid of. Use your fingers to pinch back any fall and spring shoots, especially the new shoots. Pinch the needles back to a qualified distance and avoid using cutters.

How to wire:
The branches should be wired for training. Use a fiber of palm tree to create a supple straw-colored ribbon and wrap it around the branches. You want to do this before you wire the branches. During the fall, wire the branches and leave the wiring in tact for ten months. You can remove earlier if necessary. Perform this action each year for the best results.

How to water:
When the plant is dried, you can drench it in water and wait until the next drying period to re-water your plant.

How to spray:
Humidity is Temple Junipers best friend. Keep the plant clean by using mist-sprays.

How to feed:
Macrobiotic feeders are best suited for the Temple Junipers. Feed the plants in spring and fall. Increase the food intake as the plant matures.