Following your advice... here's my newest bonsai tree.

[GrimLore]

Just a quick question... if the juniper were to remain indoors, how long before I should see if my configuration is killing it? days/weeks/months?

It could be any of the above but it will die, trust many combined years of experience here on this site - It could be dead already honest...



Grimmy

 

[rockm]

Just a quick question... if the juniper were to remain indoors, how long before I should see if my configuration is killing it? days/weeks/months?

Depends on how badly you're overwatering it and how long the light it's under can keep it limping along. FWIW, it will be dead long before you notice. Junipers show stress very late. The minute you notice the foliage has turned from green to a slightly off olive drab and crumbles when you touch it, it's been dead about a month.

 

[rockm]

The soil mix is what came with the plant from the distributor... it's rather compacted (as they all appear to be when I buy them). If you think I should change the mix, please let me know what you'd suggest.

WSting

If this is the distributor
http://www.easternleaf.com/
they're selling mass produced juniper bonsai--probably imported by the container load from China. Have to have a photo of the soil to see what's going on, but typically ANYTHING in the soil used by mass wholesalers, is doomed.

FWIW, if the seller also has several lines of gimmicky plants, lucky bamboo, money trees, tea, orchids, soap, hand creams and loofa sponges, they're probably not going to be especially good at bonsai, and have a HUGE markup.

And if you're after a decent starter juniper, a good place to start would be here:
http://brusselsbonsai.com/?gclid=CL7Xvt3wqs4CFdBahgodR3QHZA
At least they start out in decent soil and the junipers are in the "outdoor" category where they should be, eliminating the dishonest sales conceit. They're also in better pots and better crafted.

 

[WSting]

As always, thanks so much for the advice! Perhaps junipers aren't best for the style of bonsai I'd like to do moving forward... having just my little micro-garden in my office appeals to me more than trying to support an outdoor bonsai garden currently. I'm sure that will change as I get to know various varieties and gain experience.

WSting

 

[rockm]

As always, thanks so much for the advice! Perhaps junipers aren't best for the style of bonsai I'd like to do moving forward... having just my little micro-garden in my office appeals to me more than trying to support an outdoor bonsai garden currently. I'm sure that will change as I get to know various varieties and gain experience.

WSting

FWIW,
You have chosen the most difficult way to attempt bonsai. Indoor trees are vastly more difficult than outdoor.

 

[KingJades]

FWIW,
You have chosen the most difficult way to attempt bonsai. Indoor trees are vastly more difficult than outdoor.

Keeping indoor trees outside in the summer is at least a good start.