Black pine Bonsai is a type of Bonsai that uses the Japanese Black Pine tree also known as Pinus Thunbergii.
Pines are very popular trees for Bonsai all over the world. However, these are not the trees that a beginner can start off with. These require a lot of careful pruning and care from experienced hands. The growth patterns of pines greatly differ from other kinds of trees. One has to carefully observe the tree to figure out the pruning and trimming times. Such pines are usually characterized by foliage that is shaped like needles.
The Japanese Black pine is one of the most commonly used pine species for Bonsai. The main advantage of the pine species is that it is suitable for any kind of climate. These pines grow in everything from frigid winter climates to hot summer climates. These pines form dense bushy trees or scrawny twisted trees according to the conditions prevalent. These pines can be distinguished from the others with the resinous buds and the green/purplish bark on the young wood.
These pines do not grow well in permanently wet soil or completely dry soil. A perfect balance is required for its growth. The pine has to be fed with low nitrogen fertilizer in spring and should not be fed until the new needles have hardened towards the end of spring. Then the tree has to be fed with high nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks till early autumn. The tree can be fed all year round if they are pruned in the right manner.
While pruning the tree, care should be taken not to get rid off more then 50% of the top growth in one growth period. Trunk chopping and heavy branch pruning must be only done in autumn when the sap flow is slower. Once pruned, the wound should be sealed with petroleum jelly.
Repotting of the plant should be done once in 2-5 years in spring. Repotting should be done just as the pine comes into the active growth period. A small sample of the old soil which is filled with the fungus Micorrhiza should be retained. Unlike other trees, the root should not be washed.
While propagating the seeds, they should be sowed outside in early spring. The seeds will only germinate if exposed to frost. Usually, the fresher seeds germinate faster.
If you are willing to put in the effort required, the results to be gained form such trees are quite worth the time.
Posted in Bonsai Types |