Can a Juniper live well with the right care inside?

[tikisteel]

Before you just spam NO it's meant to be outside duh, please read all of what i've typed. For reference of temp. and whatnot I live in MN 4a hardiness. So I recently bought 2 junipers from a nursery and I was wondering if I put one of the junipers next to a window for fresh air, had a good grow light, and humidifier if it would live well? I really want it inside so I can admire it. During the winter I can put it in my garage or basement for it to go dormant. I could also just put it in the ground.Please share opinions/tips if you have any.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Poink88]

I read your post 3x...and my answer is still no. It possibly can be done...but by someone who doesn't need to ask for our opinions. Sorry.

That said, you can have other trees you can grow & enjoy inside.

 

[tikisteel]

I read your post 3x...and my answer is still no. It possibly can be done...but by someone who doesn't need to ask for our opinions. Sorry.

That said, you can have other trees you can grow & enjoy inside.

So because I was wondering if other people had any tips or advice it won't live? Darn, I was really hoping it would. Where I live There is snow on the ground like 9 months of the year. I might actually learn to like it more being outside. I won't get to see as much compared to if it was inside. But maybe seeing it less is better because if I see it a lot I might become desensitized.

 

[Poink88]

So because I wondering if other people had any tips or advice it won't live?

Nope. But because it will require someone who knows exactly what he is doing to (possibly) make it work. Juniper is just a difficult tree to grow inside. Even the easiest ones can be challenging by the way.

I am not saying you cannot do it because maybe you can. It is just not likely based on what I perceived as your experience and know how based on your question. I could be mistaken.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'm pretty good with plants in general. I am told by all that I have a green thumb. But...even outdoors and zone friendly. Mine died...thing is. They can hold their color in the foliage for awhile. So...once they start turning,losing their green foliage. It's hard to turn them around. In my opinion.

I plopped mine in the ground thinking if it stood a chance...that would be it. It continued to brown out. My son bless his heart...told me come fall it would look pretty in the yard.

 

[tikisteel]

Nope. But because it will require someone who knows exactly what he is doing to (possibly) make it work. Juniper is just a difficult tree to grow inside. Even the easiest ones can be challenging by the way.

I am not saying you cannot do it because maybe you can. It is just not likely based on what I perceived as your experience and know how based on your question. I could be mistaken.

Well, your people reading is pretty spot on haha. I'll send you updates when it dies or periodically if you're interested.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on one until you fine tune and figure it out. I know a guy who does bonsai...he winters his indoors. Not sure if it is in a greenhouse or his house. But...I know it can be done. Just not by me. I hated having that tree die...seemed to me as a failure on my part. But...I had to face facts...the only way to learn...is by trial and error. As long as you go into it not expecting much. Then...the only thing you can do is amaze yourself by your success!

One day...I would love to have another try at it. Get good stock. Mine was a glued moss and pebbles Walmart special. Maybe if it had strong bones from the get go? Who knows...

One day I would love something like this...just so mame.

 

[Paradox]

Not an opinion, but a fact. It wont survive inside, period.

Here is my advice.

Put it outside
Get a comfy patio chair
Place chair near juniper
Get favorite drink of choice whenever you have time
Sit on patio chair
Sip drink
Admire juniper bonsai

Chances are your basement wont be cold enough in the winter, but an unheated garage should be fine
Let the juniper experience some cold weather and some frosts before bringing it into an unheated garage when temps reach about freezing.

I have several junipers including one I almost killed by trying to keep it inside justt as you describe.
They all live outside now and are all very happy and healthy. If I were home, I would post pictures but Im not.

 

[tikisteel]

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on one until you fine tune and figure it out. I know a guy who does bonsai...he winters his indoors. Not sure if it is in a greenhouse or his house. But...I know it can be done. Just not by me. I hated having that tree die...seemed to me as a failure on my part. But...I had to face facts...the only way to learn...is by trial and error. As long as you go into it not expecting much. Then...the only thing you can do is amaze yourself by your success!

One day...I would love to have another try at it. Get good stock. Mine was a glued moss and pebbles Walmart special. Maybe if it had strong bones from the get go? Who knows...

One day I would love something like this...just so mame.

I was talking with my dad today about how I expect both of them to die, as it is my first time growing or rather attempting it.

 

[tikisteel]

Not an opinion, but a fact. It wont survive inside, period.

Here is my advice.

Put it outside
Get a comfy patio chair
Place chair near juniper
Get favorite drink of choice whenever you have time
Sit on patio chair
Sip drink
Admire juniper bonsai

Chances are your basement wont be cold enough in the winter, but an unheated garage should be fine
Let the juniper experience some cold weather and some frosts before bringing it into an unheated garage when temps reach about freezing.

I have several junipers including one I almost killed by trying to keep it inside justt as you describe.
They all live outside now and are all very happy and healthy. If I were home, I would post pictures but Im not.

Well, there is 2 main reasons I would rather have it inside. first one is that it's winter 9 months of the year where I live. The second reason is that My family has 3 dogs and 2 cats that like to frequently go outside, and i'm sure they would love to pester with them. However if I could find a nice decorative stand, that might be interesting.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Just know...that there are ones much easier to care for. So if they would die...don't be to harsh on yourself.

Be careful of bonsai that have glued pebbles and moss on top. They are sold in places like Walmart and what not. They need the pebbles chiseled off. And better bonsai soil.

 

[M. Frary]

You have winters 9 months long too? Howdy neighbor. Get a tamarack.

 

[Poink88]

I was talking with my dad today about how I expect both of them to die, as it is my first time growing or rather attempting it.

First time or not, this is so wrong. Poor trees. You have to change your attitude and always expect and strive for the best.

 

[Jaberwky17]

Tiki where are you exactly?

 

[Paradox]

Well, there is 2 main reasons I would rather have it inside. first one is that it's winter 9 months of the year where I live. The second reason is that My family has 3 dogs and 2 cats that like to frequently go outside, and i'm sure they would love to pester with them. However if I could find a nice decorative stand, that might be interesting.

It isnt about what you want.
It is about what the trees need.

I have 3 large (70 to 90 pound) dogs that share the same yard where my 30+ trees live. My trees are on 3 foot tall shelves. The dogs dont bother them at all.

Why did you bother asking the question if you really didnt want to hear the truth?
Youve already made up your mind. You insist on killing them, have fun killing them.

Do us a favor, when they start turning brown in 3-6 months, dont come ask us how to save them because the answer will be it is too late now, you should have put them outside.

 

[fourteener]

A 93 year old gentleman from my church, has had a procumbens juniper from the white van bonsai man in his senior apartment for 25 years. It just gave out this winter. Is it possible...yes. Is it the usual best way to go...hardly.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

So I recently bought 2 junipers from a nursery and I was wondering if I put one of the junipers next to a window for fresh air, had a good grow light, and humidifier if it would live well?

No. You're wanting to treat the trees like Ficus. Ficus would love that setup. The problem you will, will have, is a temperature problem. It won't get cold enough indoors to induce dormancy, thus the tree will literally grow itself to death.

 

[sorce]

Snow on a bonsai is one of the prettiest sights to behold.

With 2 c-clamps, plywood, and a couple of 2x4 gussets, you can keep it OUTSIDE the same window, enjoy it every day. Water easily. And it will thrive.

$20

Or you can set up an outdoor video camera and watch it on your tv. Record it all and make the dopest progression video ever.

$200 minus video sales in 20 years.

All my trees are on windowsills. There is no reason at all you can not have your enjoyment, and a healthy tree.

There is more than one way to skin a cat. But the cat will still die right?
Why skin it? I know, its a cat. Meow. Slice.

Let your tree live! It is way better than a cat. Unless the cat is a tiger. But then it would enjoy an indoor ficus! Unless it is a siberian tiger, back to Tamarack.

Either way, you are much more likely to own a tiger than have a happy juniper inside. We can talk about feeding it rice cakes and butternut squash all day. It still wont become a Puma. Which, may frequent your yard. Or a lynx. But there are too many links to threads with questions like this that all get answered no.

But your tree will be safe from it up on that rig you made on the windowsill!


Sorce

 

[tikisteel]

First time or not, this is so wrong. Poor trees. You have to change your attitude and always expect and strive for the best.

Of course I'm hoping for the best. But this is my first time, so if they do happen to die, I won't have to mourn the loss as much.

 

[tikisteel]

No. You're wanting to treat the trees like Ficus. Ficus would love that setup. The problem you will, will have, is a temperature problem. It won't get cold enough indoors to induce dormancy, thus the tree will literally grow itself to death.

I plan on bringing the juniper outside as soon as it starts getting cold. Then I will only bring it in when it's been out there for 4 months after the first big snow.