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Greetings. I was gifted a cute little bonsai tree a few weeks ago by a friend. She said the leaves were browning and maybe I could help it since I'm experienced with orchids. Orchids are not trees so I really don't know what to do with it. I have a old book on hand but it mostly covers shaping, pruning, and repotting.

I have tried to figure out what kind it from pictures online but I can't find match. She was unsure how old it is, what kind it is, and when it was last repotted. She kept it inside her apartment in a window. Since she has given it to me I have been keeping it outside on my porch and watering it every few days. The leaves are continuing to brown and dry up. It does have new growth on existing branches and at the tip of the topmost branch.

Can anyone offer me some guidance on how to help it? I live in Central Indiana USA, near indianapolis, and have a east exposure back porch and a south exposure front porch. I also have some very small bonsai pots on hand but no other materials at the moment. I can easily order whatever is needed or try to find it in the city.

I seem to be having some trouble adding pictures

Kortney wrote: Greetings. I was gifted a cute little bonsai tree

OK if you find it a cute little plant, but this is really not a bonsai yet.
This is a juniper and it belongs outside. Watering should be done when needed, not on a schedule. Water when the soil has had the time to dry (but don't let it dry out completely).

Browning of old needles is normal and no immediate reason for concern, browning of younger foliage and tips is alarming. You do seem to have some healthy growth so it is likely the plant will live.

This is a young plant, maybe 3 - 4 yours old.

On the soil I think I see the typical decorative rubbish these fake "bonsai" come with, so I think you'll need to repot.
Use a well-draining soil mix - look for guidelines under the 'Species guide' on this site.

Does the pot have a drainage hole?

Thanks so much! I was thinking it probably needs a repot. Orchids often commercialy sold come in rubbish and need repotted. It's in a deep pot, should it be potted in a shallow pot?

oh, yes it does have a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Here are more pictures if that helps. The last one is the day I got it and shows the pot it is in.

Kortney wrote: oh, yes it does have a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Here are more pictures if that helps. The last one is the day I got it and shows the pot it is in.

Hmm... that's not a bonsai pot either. You will need to get it out of that vase. It may not be a problem yet, but if roots of the plant grow, there will be a moment where it becomes impossible to repot it as it will get stuck.

The plant looks healthy enough, I don't see a real problem and now that it is inside it should improve.

Update:

I repotted it today into a better medium and container. The leaves had continued to brown and dry up. As far as the roots it looked like they had been trimmed back when it was put into the vase. Root tips didn't look fresh though. Roots were in a big ball crammed into the vase. Medium was very wet, last watering was several days ago. The container might a little bit to big for it but seems like it's still an improvement from the vase. I pinched off most of the dead parts, looks pretty puny now. I gave it a name and told it to stick around. I'm crossing my fingers and such. We have a freeze warning for the weekend, down to 26 degrees F. Is there anything I need to do to protect it? I'm wondering if some of the dieing off has to do with leaving it out on cold nights? I thought it'd be ok since they are outside plants but wanted to find out for sure.

Kortney wrote: I repotted it today into a better medium and container. The container might a little bit to big for it but seems like it's still an improvement from the vase. I pinched off most of the dead parts, looks pretty puny now. I gave it a name and told it to stick around. I'm crossing my fingers and such.

That's better, and there's not much more you can do. The tips still seem green and fresh, so there's hope. If the tips start drying out... it's end of story. You're probably right that it is/was a root problem in combination with too much water / soil staying wet too long.

We have a freeze warning for the weekend, down to 26 degrees F. Is there anything I need to do to protect it? I'm wondering if some of the dieing off has to do with leaving it out on cold nights? I thought it'd be ok since they are outside plants but wanted to find out for sure.

In terms the rest of the world uses, that's -3,3 C. Normally, a juniper can easily tolerate that. This one has been inside, right? It may not be used to it. Also, the roots don't have much protection now as they are in a very shallow layer of substrate. If you can find an unheated area that stays above 0 degrees, that might help. Don't bring it back indoors though.

Cronic wrote: if you have no clue to what you're doing, why do anything?

Hey, isn't one rude guy on the forum sufficient?

you'll get loads of websites and video's showing how it's done.. and most important: WHEN

There is a best time for repotting, for sure, but this juniper was in a vase and soil that stayed too wet. Consider this an emergency repotting.

I'm sorry that you are frustrated that I have asked for help. I do have a book, I have googled, I have read websites, blogs, forum posts, watched videos etc. I came here hoping to receive some kind advice, confirmation that I am taking the right steps, and constructive feedback on what to do with it. I did not come here to be belittled for reaching out to an online community that is more knowledgeable than I am. I have no problem being patient, reading books, searching for answers, etc. I was hoping to reach out, connect to other growers, and learn more through community experience. You don't seem to be to welcoming. I hope that other members on this forum will be a little more welcoming. Everybody has to start somewhere. I think my willingness to try, learn, and interact deserves some kindness. Despite your lack of warmth I'd like to thank you for letting me know that I need more potting medium.

Hmmm... I overlooked:

The leaves had continued to brown and dry up

Old leaves die off, get brown and fall off - that's normal - but if you noticed a difference in just 3 days... that's not a good sign. Not much you can do about it though.