Cone-bearing trees can be used to create magnificent bonsai specimens, and among the most popular of conifers for bonsai is the juniper. There are as many as 50 different varieties of junipers, and they are found across the world. Juniper are also one of the easiest bonsai trees to take care of, thus their popularity, particularly among beginner bonsai growers. The juniper bonsai can be grown indoors but it needs proper levels of both humidity and light to do well and without these things it will promptly die. Juniper bonsai trees will tolerate short periods of being inside but if you really want it to thrive then keep it outside.

At different stages of the juniper's life it will display different types of foliage. When the juniper tree is immature its leaves are like needles, and then when it becomes a mature tree the leaves are like scales. Depending on the species, Junipers may exhibit foliage that ranges in color from light greens to bluish greens to golden hues.

Among bonsai enthusiasts, the Chinese Juniper tree is one of the most traditional and popular variety of junipers. Another juniper, the Needle Juniper, is also popular among bonsai hobbyists. The sharply pointed needles is where the Needle Juniper gets its name.

Proper Watering for Your Juniper

The Juniper tree can be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Feel the soil every day to estimate if it is time to water. When the soil looks and feels dry on top it is time to water your tree again. Dig your finger into the soil about 1/2 - 1 inch. Give your bonsai tree a good watering if the soil feels dry. Allowing your juniper bonsai tree to get completely dry will cause harm to the plant. Set your bonsai in the sink or in a container of water, nearly up to the rim, for 15-30 minutes or until all the air bubbles stop rising and the soil is saturated. After watering using this method you want to make sure that you allow it to drain completely because junipers are vulnerable to root rot if the roots sit in water. You can always water your plant from the top if the soaking method isn't convenient, just make sure that you give it plenty of water. Repeat this until your bonsai has received a thorough soaking. A suitable cycle of watering will cause the soil to go from being saturated to being slightly dry.

To help keep your juniper in top condition you should give a misting on a regular basis to keep up the humidity levels and keep the foliage dust-free. If your bonsai has been recently re-potted this is especially important. Your tree can take in enough water through it's foliage to keep from drying out until the roots have recovered from the re-potting. Misting also minimizes excess transpiration and water loss on hot summer days.

How much Sunlight?

Outdoors are where most Juniper bonsai trees are typically grown. Ideally, a Juniper tree would prefer to get a good dose of morning sun, and then have shade in the afternoon. Filtered or shaded sunlight would be the next best thing for your juniper bonsai if the ideal morning sun/afternoon shade is not possible.

Humidity

Almost all species of trees benefit from humidity. You can make a humidity tray to keep the humidity level high by placing small stones in a shallow tray, adding water, and placing your bonsai on top of the stones. Be careful to only allow the bonsai pot to sit on top of the stones. The tray or plate will also collect the draining water of your freshly watered bonsai. Don't forget to give your juniper a good spraying in between watering.

Feeding

A proper schedule would include fertilizing your juniper bonsai tree once every two to three weeks during the growing season, beginning with a high nitrogen fertilizer in the spring, a balanced fertilizer through summer and mid-autumn, and then a low-nitrogen fertilizer until winter. A diluted, half strength fertilizer will keep your roots from being damaged if you are using a chemical fertilizer.