Chinese juniper

Chinese juniper should be watered lightly every 7-10 days. Water until the soil is moist to the touch but not soggy. When watering, use lukewarm water to avoid sudden temperature changes which can stress the plant. During warmer months, or when the soil is dry, you may need to water as much as every 5 days. Make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Variegated Kaizuka') prefers bright sunlight and should be placed in a sunny location with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In summer, the plant may need up to 8 hours of sunlight. The plant grows best in morning sun, and shade from hot afternoon sun will help protect it from burning. In winter, when sunlight is scarce, provide a location with as much bright filtered sunlight as possible.

This Chinese juniper variety is best pruned in spring, after it has begun to break dormancy and new growth has begun to appear. Pruning should be limited to late spring or early summer, as any major pruning in the fall or winter can seriously damage the plant. Generally, you should plan to remove a third or less of the total growth each season. This will help the plant form the desired shape without being damaged by drastic pruning. Try to keep the trunk and branches balanced with no branch or area of the plant becoming too strong. Any thinning of older, woody branches should also be done in late spring or early summer.