Juniperus chinensis aka Chinese Juniper

Taxonomy

Juniperus chinensis, also known as the Chinese juniper or Shimpaku in the art of bonsai, is a species of plant in the cypress family Cupressaceae. It is native to China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. This coniferous evergreen tree or shrub can reach heights of 1–20 meters (3+1⁄2–65+1⁄2 feet) and has a variable shape. It is characterized by its prickly, blue-green needle-like leaves with a silvery sheen, which are held on slightly arching branches. The leaves come in two forms, juvenile needle-like leaves measuring 5–10 mm long and adult scale-leaves measuring 1.5–3 mm long. Some mature trees retain both juvenile and adult foliage. Juniperus chinensis is often dioecious, with separate male and female plants, although some individual plants can produce both sexes of flowers. It is a popular ornamental tree or shrub in gardens, parks, and coastal areas with hot sun and sandy, fast-draining soils. There are over 100 named cultivars of Juniperus chinensis, with the "Itoigawa" variety being highly desirable for its tight, fine foliage and excellent growing habits.

Common names

Chinese Juniper, Chinese Pyramid Juniper, Blue Alps

How to care for Chinese Juniper

Difficulty

Chinese Juniper requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Chinese Juniper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chinese Juniper loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Juniper prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Chinese Juniper does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The growth of Chinese Juniper is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Chinese Juniper’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia