New to bonsai, and junipers!

[bonsai_beginner]

Hey everyone
I just got myself a new little juniper. I'm wondering is it too young to start wiring it into a particular shape?
Or should I just let it frown for a year or two before working on it?
This is my first juniper so I don't know a whole lot about it but I'm under the impression this is very tolerant to cold weather and can stay outside during the winter (I live in Melbourne)

Here are some pics of it







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[Rory]

Juniper Mug Shot.



.... Yes, it is a twig. It needs to grow.

[bonsai_beginner]

Juniper Mug Shot.



.... Yes, it is a twig. It needs to grow.

Haha yeah
I'll give it a few years before I do anything to it. Any suggestions on helping it grow strong?

I've repotted it into something three times the size but still not a massive pot

Thanks


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[Phoenix238]

It's never too early to wire shape into the trunk, the younger you do it the easier it is and the more aggressive bends you can get into it.

Make sure it's in a sunny place outside, check if it needs watering every day (but only water when it's almost dry) and fertilise regularly and you'll be on your way

Oh, and congratulations on your new tree

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[shibui]

Any suggestions on helping it grow strong?

Plenty of fertiliser, water whenever it starts to get dry and enough room for the roots to grow. Don't prune too much until it gets to the desired size.

I've repotted it into something three times the size but still not a massive pot

That should do for now. Putting little plants in very large pots can sometimes lead to problems with roots so better to move up a few sizes at a time and allow the roots to grow some more.

It's never too early to wire shape into the trunk, the younger you do it the easier it is and the more aggressive bends you can get into it.

That depends what the ultimate plan is. I agree with this but beginners typically do not appreciate dramatic bends so early wiring is not always necessary. Gentle bends can be made when it is a bit thicker.

There is usually more than 1 'right' way to achieve the same result.

[Sammy D]

I am also a learner but what i have learnt that you need to put wire on the trunk and give it some crazy bends now. I let it grow from ill advice and was unable to put interesting bends in it later as the trunk was too brittle and fat. Unless you use advanced methods to bend it (not really for a learner). I tried to give it bends later and it ended in tears Bend it now. . Good luck it is a fun rewarding hobby.

[bonsai_beginner]

Thank you everyone! I'll take on all your advice and start looking at possible shapes and bends for my juniper!
Greatly appreciate the help and advice


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[peterb]

Hi
make sure you get your first bend in as low as possible, as it can look a bit odd when the tree is older and you have a straight section and then some crazy bends
regards
peterb

[bonsai_beginner]

Hi
make sure you get your first bend in as low as possible, as it can look a bit odd when the tree is older and you have a straight section and then some crazy bends
regards
peterb

So as close soil as possible??


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[Rory]

Hi
make sure you get your first bend in as low as possible, as it can look a bit odd when the tree is older and you have a straight section and then some crazy bends
regards
peterb

So as close soil as possible??


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For dramatic bends or any bend for that matter, you probably want the trunk to angle out of the soil - not straight and then an immediate bend. Up to you, but it means, have the trunk coming out of the soil at an angle already and not straight up, so when you repot it, have it coming out at a good angle for future movement.

*EDIT* - Similar to that Lego tree that comes out of the pot in my avatar picture (look above and right), notice how the base of it comes out at an angle so it looks more natural.

[bonsai_beginner]

*EDIT* - Similar to that Lego tree that comes out of the pot in my avatar picture (look above and right), notice how the base of it comes out at an angle so it looks more natural.

Ahh okay okay I get what you are saying!
Thank you for the clarification



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