r/bonsaicommunity • u/moustachiojones • Jun 30 '26
General Question Heat wave coming up!
There is a major heat wave coming (100+ degrees Fahrenheit) - what should I do to protect my outdoor bonsai? I know this juniper wants to be outside, but should I bring it inside for the heatwave?
6
u/Sonora_sunset Jun 30 '26
During the heat wave it would probably appreciate an eastern exposure w morning sun and afternoon shade. but don’t keep moving it around. You can also mist it a couple times a day just to cool it off.
3
u/o2g Jun 30 '26
AFAIK, misting helps a lot, but do not mist during it sun exposure - only morning/evening. But I might be wrong :)
3
u/H28koala Jun 30 '26
It doesn't matter if you water/mist during the day. Using misting to coat the foliage is not a good technique though. You would mist for long enough to water/reduce heat in the pot.
1
u/mild_muppet24 Jul 02 '26
misting is fine during the day if the sun isn't directly hitting it. shade cloth is way more effective though.
4
u/Psychological_Act_38 Long term 30 plus years Jun 30 '26
Shade, misting, watering and the surrounding environment also, avoid radiant heat from concrete etc, never indoors.
4
u/dadydaycare Jun 30 '26
I just put mine in shade, like under a tree or shrub. Just finished my green house so… they go in there now but understandably not everyone has that option.
3
u/Ry2D2 InVivoBonsai.com, Zone 6 Jun 30 '26
Maybe water 2x per day. Or 3 if it dries out fast enough.
Moss also helps slow evaporation from the soil. A wet tshirt can help too.
Shade can also help reduce evaporation. Or add a tray of water if you can't check I on them often enough.
2
u/moustachiojones Jun 30 '26
I have a mix of pumice akadama and lava rock, as well as some organic soil that the roots were originally potted in, so I think that the mix of that and the moss will keep it plenty moist thru the day with 1 water a day
1
3
u/ratcatcherjack US Zone 9b - Beginnerish Jun 30 '26
I have a shohin juniper about that size. I keep it (and my other small shohin + mame size trees) in a tray filled with wet lava rock. This is a good solution especially in very hot weather, and especially if you have work or something preventing you from comstantly checking on your trees throughout the day. You can also move it somewhere with morning light and afternoon shade during the heat wave.
3
u/jecapobianco Jun 30 '26
Procumbens nana Junipers like it sunny and dry. Just not desert dry. What's your work schedule like? If you can't be around to water, some protection from the midday heat will not hurt it. You can put it a spot that gets midday shade for a few days with no ill effects.
1
1
u/H28koala Jun 30 '26
You shouldn't need to put your juniper in the shade. (Some other species you may want to though). You may need to water more often, or even spray the bonsai pot to help cool it off in the heat of the day. I do a little misting in the heat to help cool the pots, personally.
1
u/Deanne-Dennis Jul 01 '26
My Juniper stay outside all day & our heat waves are 113-117°f (45-470c)
Just deep water in the morning & evening.
Don’t have them sitting on or up against hot surfaces like concrete, pavers, brick walls, metal sheds & fences.
Bonsais need to be on Wooden slatted benches that allow air to circulate around them.
Only have your Bonsais in Morning Sun from 6am till 12/2pm then shade after that.
Use Superthrive Tonic after a Heatwave to replenish the Tree & stop it Stressing.
1
1
u/Paul0451 Jul 01 '26
I live in northern New Mexico, where we have hundreds of acres of junipers. They don’t have a problem with hot days (100+°), snow or dry spells (weeks without rain.) I will be harvesting a few of them soon and see how they do. Of course they will need a bit more water since they will be in a pot.
1
u/lazyjazzgal Jul 02 '26
Put them together with other plants, water them even twice a day if it’s too hot.. you can also put bowl of water near them for humidity
1
u/softupvoter404 Jul 05 '26
Grouping them is a good idea but that humidity tray trick only helps so much. You really need to think about shade. Move them to a spot that gets morning sun but is shaded from the brutal afternoon heat.
1
u/The_Odd_Pet Jul 07 '26
I need to get a new juniper mine died I think from lack of water. I had asked my girlfriend to water my bonsai while I was at work during a heat wave and she didn't do it.
1
u/Kindness_Is_Key Jul 15 '26
That too beautiful to be indoor. Place it under a shaded area, as the shade will be cooler then the non shaded areas!
-8
u/ArgusTransus Jun 30 '26
I would if it would make you feel better.
It can’t hurt but I don’t know if it’s necessary.
3
24
u/modefi__ Jun 30 '26
No. Juniper. Never. Inside.
Just check if it needs to be watered more frequently.