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 AlpsHow 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
Chinese Juniper requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chinese Juniper will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
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
More Species in Juniperus Genus
Juniperus thurifera Incense Juniper
Juniperus oxycedrus Cade Juniper
Juniperus pinchotii Copper Berry Juniper
Juniperus recurva Drooping Juniper
Juniperus formosana Formosan Juniper
Juniperus occidentalis Western Cedar
Juniperus sabina Savin
Juniperus monticola Mexican Juniper
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar
