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Hello all!
I bought my first bonsai yesterday, it was labeled as a cascading juniper 5 years old 2 years in training. The man at the store seemed like he knew what he was talking about and said it will be fine indoors. From what I have read, it seems like an outdoor tree. That is my main concern as of now. I understand the watering techniques, they enjoy a short break between watering but not to let get completely dry. I will tackle the pruning and potting when needed.
My question to you is where is the best place for this tree in the winter? Will it survive indoors if I have it near a window getting sunlight and a cool draft from outside? Or is it best to have it grow outside where temperatures are just above or below freezing 32F? What do I do if it is to rain or snow?

I will try to add a picture of it soon !
Thanks

Bump

Hm.. A seller that tells you that juniper will make a fine indoors bonsai did obviously not know what he was talking about. Pretty much none of the species from temperate climate zones will make good indoor plants. They all need a period of rest, with cool temperatures.

So.. The juniper should be kept outdoors. When temperatures drop below -5C (~ +13F) you should shelter it and protect the roots. DO NOT move it from a room at room temp[erature straight into real winter weather. If winter has hit where you are, it is better to find a cool non-heated room in your house and water it moderately and move it outdoors in spring, rather than bring it out now. The plant is not ready for winter if it has been growing indoors untill now.

Thanks leatherback. Earlier in the week I went to get an outdoor pot and some rubber mulch. I placed the tree in its original pot inside the bigger pot and insulated it with the mulch. I left it outdoors in my apartments staircase (it seemed like the best substitute for an unheated room but still cold to simulate a dormant period). I understand that it is not ready for the winter yet, especially here in Philly where lately it has been below freezing, and have moved it back inside. My concern is that my apt is too hot, it's not heated but just is insulated well we dont use the heat. So for now I am keeping it near a window with it open to keep it cooler. I hope this will suffice until the spring, it seems healthy as is.

Will my juniper survive in these conditions like it had before?
Please all tips and experience is very helpful to a new grower. I want it to last a long time!

Thanks all

Close the window. keep the tree away from drying winds or any heat source.

Hi Adamsaint,

I really like your double pot with insulating, rubber mulch in between idea... brilliant! Is your apt's outdoor staircase closed in with walls, a roof and outside door? If so, that would be the ideal place to keep your tree until Spring without worrying about the roots freezing.

I recently got my first bonsai for Christmas and it appears to be the same Juniper Procumbens nana as the original poster. I am very sad to hear that it's not and indoor bonsai because I have to keep it inside. MY family has outdoor cats who eat any plant they can get near and have already tried to munch on my juniper. I have to keep it in my corner near a desk with a 23 watt CFL light on it per instructions from Amazon. I mist the leaves daily outside and to try to keep it cool I have ice packs that I replace often near it. I am just trying to get it to survive until I have the money to purchase an indoor bonsai, will this be sufficient to keep it alive? Is there any possible way to keep it alive indoors by a desk?

MysticTrinket wrote: I recently got my first bonsai for Christmas and it appears to be the same Juniper Procumbens nana as the original poster. I am very sad to hear that it's not and indoor bonsai because I have to keep it inside. MY family has outdoor cats who eat any plant they can get near and have already tried to munch on my juniper. I have to keep it in my corner near a desk with a 23 watt CFL light on it per instructions from Amazon. I mist the leaves daily outside and to try to keep it cool I have ice packs that I replace often near it. I am just trying to get it to survive until I have the money to purchase an indoor bonsai, will this be sufficient to keep it alive? Is there any possible way to keep it alive indoors by a desk?

Welcome to the forum. Please create your own thread for your trees; Other wise it gets really confusing.
Junipers need to be outside. Period. They will not last long inside. Take the risk on your cats, and place it outside. Probably you can better get to kitten-grass for your cats to eat. Most cats eat greenery if they have hair-issues. And grass seems to be a favorite for them.