Hi Guys,
I have received an Juniper Itoigawa born from a cutting.
A friend give me as a present after I bought 2 plants from him.
I have no experience with Juniper so I am waiting for tips before proceed.
The only thing is that this baby surely needs a repot, maybe a slip in, next days here will be not so hot with rain....
Here is the plant:
Trunk movement in the top half-2/3 of tree could move back to the center (avoiding “S” shape and candy cane shape) to add more movement and over all balance in the style (Options\photos from the internet attached).
At the top of the arch (the bend), you could sharply move the tree back in the other direction and then create more movement at the terminal/apex of the tree.
Regarding growing the tree: Slip pot into all organic medium with fertilizer in early Spring 2024 to maximize the development of the tree. As it grows and thickens, the tree will provide you with more branches and foliage to work with, but having an overall goal for style is good to have in mind while you develop the tree.
For my Juniper #1, I’ve had tremendous success with:
A growing container, organic soil, 10-10-10 slow release (6 month slow release) granular fertilizer (applied twice per year: 1 in spring, 1 in the fall), NPK RAW 20-0-0 (nitrogen rich) applied at 1/16 teaspoon mixed in water once per month. My tree is pumping out growth and elongating with excellent color with the added nitrogen.
As I’ve learned, the most important thing you can do is tend to the horticulture and over all health of the tree. Give it what it needs and it will give back to you in terms of growth and quality material to work with. It is a companionship, a mutual relationship. If you want good return on investment, provide the tree with it needs to photosynthesize and feed itself.
