Promoting Root growth in Juniper Squamatta & Procumbens

[Shinkitai]

I am after some advice on Junipers. I recently repotted a lot of my bonsai of all different varieties this year and whilst most were root bound (I should have repotted majority last year) the Juniper Squamatta and the procumbens had very little root growth. The foliage growth over the last couple of years had been ok, maybe a bit slow. Over the last couple of years they have had an occasional liquid fertiliser and daily watering. When I repotted I removed a fair bit of the foliage (after reading more posts on this site I may have removed to much foliage in one go).

Since repotting in September I have applied DL and also liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks. They have not responded well with yellowing foliage and some die back. I have removed the DL from the surface today.

What should I do to help them get back on there feet? I have been watering a bit as it has been very dry here in south-east qld over the last couple of months and they don't have much roots but maybe I have watered to much? They are in a sunny position. Is there anything I can do to promote more root growth and get them back strong again?

My other plants are growing great guns so not sure what I am doing wrong with these guys.

Thanks for any advice.

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi Shinkitai,
I would be inclined at this stage to hold off on feeding until good foliage colour returns and there are signs of growth. If you can, maintain damp soil rather than moist, trees that are not growing or are growing poorly do not consume water at a great rate. Locate the trees in a position with dappled sunlight or morning sun only, with a bit of protection from afternoon sun and strong wind (a location with good airflow is a good idea though).

Getting good root growth in squamatas and procumbens would be aided by a light granular soil of 4-5mm particle size, a 50-50 mix of sieved premium potting mix and diatomite would be a good starting point. For stock in development, use a pot that allows good airflow and drainage, such as a colander. Try to avoid exposing a lot of fine roots, they can become dessicated and can lead to decline in health. When they are growing freely, I find that most Junipers benefit from foliage misting in the morning. I have noticed measurable improvement in root growth in most of my conifers since I started using non clorinated water and predominately organic fertilisers and the use of seaweed based treatments such as seasol are quite good in promoting root growth too.

I have probably left out a few things, but the others will no doubt add to this.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Mojo

[lacertilian]

Hi, I would ditch the DL too. I think Juniper benefit from slightly acidic soil not alkaline.

[Shinkitai]

great thanks.

[Ces]

I think Juniper benefit from slightly acidic soil not alkaline.

I've got a few procumbens and they are going great guns with bi-weekly liquid feedings of azalea fertiliser (acidic). I add seasol monthly.

but wait for restored health before feeding anymore, i reckon.

[lacertilian]

nice, I guess I can up the dose on mine then. They get seasol fortnightly and acidic fert once a month. If you're doing twice a week I'll try once a week to start with