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Hi all,

New to the forum, so here's a little background about myself: I've taken quite an interest in bonsai since I was a kid (I am now in my mid-20s) and have since owned (and subsequently killed) several bonsai. At this time I am in care of a Shimpaku and a P. nana. I am in Canada plant hardiness zone 6b (not entirely too sure what the comparable USDA zone would be, but I am in southern Ontario if that is a better descriptor).

I acquired this Shimpaku just a few weeks ago. According to the owner of the nursery it is approximately 7 years old. As you can see in the pictures, it's outer foliage has browned and become better foliage... I've attempted to do some research about it but I just cannot seem to find a definitive answer. Based on my research, I am under the impression that the browning could be a combination of sun scorch and poor watering.

At this time, the tree is in my backyard against a fence to the north, with the front facing the south. I am currently keeping it in a portable greenhouse with a 50% sun filter shade cloth. I have only recently (about a week ago) put up the shade cloth to perhaps address the sun scorch. I leave the door to the greenhouse either partially or completely open (depending on the weather) to allow for ventilation. In the early mornings and in the afternoons when I return from work I mist the foliage (I will do this midday on days I am home all day). My research tells me that I must allow the tree to dry out between waterings, but to make sure to water on especially hot days. If the weather forecast tells me that it will not be too hot that day, I will not water if I feel moisture near the bottom of the pot. I do water thoroughly the morning of days forecasted to be hot ('too hot' to me is anything above 25 degrees celsius).

What am I doing wrong, and where can I improve? Should I also remove the browned and brittle foliage? Would appreciate any help.

Thanks for reading my post.

Misting is an urban legend and has practically no value. It dampens the foliage a little, then raises the humidity just a little, and all the extra humidity goes away as soon as there is a breath of air, which happens all the time outdoors and indoors as soon as the AC/Heater comes on. It is useful, slightly, for air ferns and other plants that evolved in high humidity but is only useful if the forced air AC/heat is off and then only useful for a short while and should be repeated constantly. Same thing for humidity trays, except that the humidity lasts a little longer.

To water any tree, pour water on the soil until it pours out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Pours out does not mean a few drops, but a lot. It is best to pour the water all around the soil so that it all gets soaking. Most of us use a device with a shower head.

The brown foliage is probably dead, but there appears to be a lot of green growing needles, so the tree will probably be OK in the long run. Water it whenever the soil dries out. If the soil is a well drained bonsai mix, that may mean every day. Let the tree grow and plan on pruning some dead wood back next spring.

Junipers do drink from the foliage. Misting may not increase humidity too much. But is indeed beneficial to junipers.

Your soil looks like quite open granular soil. Its not possible to water too much.

Greenhouse is not necessary in summer in your climate. Take it outside to enjoy the elements.

Hi Ivan and Tropfrog, thank you for your responses.

I will continue to mist the tree. I do also keep a decent-sized pot of water in the greenhouse to maintain some sort of humidity.

I guess you could say I was a bit hesitant when it came to watering! The tree is in a well draining mix (not entirely too sure the composition) so I think I will begin watering everyday (it has been getting quite hot here).

Tropfrog - I used to keep the tree outside but got the greenhouse because there have been some very quick, but very powerful wind storms. There was one instance when this tree in particular was knocked over due to a flash storm. I am hoping the greenhouse can provide some protection against such an event when I am not nearby.

That kind of plastic tarp greenhouse is easily blown away by strong winds. If it happens the tree goes with it. Better put the tree protected from the wind close to a wall.

The information that the tree was knocked down by the wind might be important. If that happened this summer it may be the reason for ill health.

I dont understand your focus on humidity. This is not a tropical species. Canadian outdoor humidity is fine.

Have you shecked how high temperature goes in the greenhouse during heat waves? Junipers is not particulatly happy in high temperatures and may dry out within hours. Take the tree out of the greenhouse before next heat wave.