Deadwood Shari Development
To care for a juniper bonsai after cleaning deadwood and exposing the live vein, the primary goals are to reduce stress on the tree and protect the new wood
Immediate aftercare
Move to a shaded area: Place the juniper in a protected, shadier spot for several weeks. This lowers the need for water and reduces stress on the tree as it recovers from the work.
Prevent drying out: Keep a close eye on your tree's water needs. The fresh cuts and exposed wood can cause the tree to lose moisture more quickly. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
Increase humidity: To further aid recovery, consider increasing the humidity around the foliage. You can do this by misting the foliage or by using a humidity tray. This is especially important for junipers, which can absorb moisture through their foliage.
Check the root system: If you combined the deadwood work with a repotting, check that the new soil is not waterlogged. The roots need oxygen to recover.
Be patient: Allow the juniper a recovery period of at least a few weeks before returning it to its normal, sunnier location. Avoid further stressful activities like heavy pruning or wiring during this time.
Deadwood preservation
Allow wood to dry: Wait for the newly cleaned deadwood to dry thoroughly before applying a preservative. If the wood is still wet with sap, the preservative will not absorb or bind properly. Weathering it for a year is a common practice.
Apply lime-sulfur: After the wood is dry, apply a solution of lime-sulfur to preserve it and achieve the characteristic white, weathered appearance.
Wear protective gloves and eye protection.
Work in a well-ventilated area due to the strong odor.
Use a fine brush to apply the lime-sulfur to the dry deadwood, avoiding the live vein and the pot.
Reapply annually: Lime-sulfur fades over time. Reapply it once a year to maintain the bleached look and continue preserving the wood.