Japanese Pines

Neo · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:39 am Post subject: Japanese Pines

Hello, been offered a japanes black and a japanese white pine, ive never kept or worked on pines before so just wondered if anyone could give me some advice before i commit to getting them

cheers Wink

Dick · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

For the most part, they are pretty straight forward as far as care and cultivation are concerned. Well draining soils, good light, etc.

However a couple of quirks for pines. Fiorst you don't fertilize the same as for other bonsai. Most pines do not uptake fertilzers very well, nor do they do so throughout the season. A 1/2 strength liquid fertilizer applied a couple of times in the spring is all you need for the growing season. Second, pruning is usially a permanent thing. Pines do not readily back sprout as do other deciduous trees. Third, is the de candling process to keep the growth in check. That's done in the spring also and then the secondary candles may need it later on.

Those are a few little differences that you'll need to consider.

Good luck and get yourself a pine. You'll not regret it.

Neo · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

Cheers for the info Dick, im gonna get one soon, i'll get some pics and keep you updated to its progress Very Happy

Tuppence2 · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

The pines are my favourties. Smile

Good luck.

I wonder whether I've over-fed my new little white pine. I repotted it and some of its needles don't look too healthy - losing their greeness.

I decided to put the three bigger ones I have into the garden for a few years and they seem to be doing well, though the Thunderhead had some sort of black gunk around the candles. I've treated it with a fungal preparation and wait to see how it goes.

Penny

Neo · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

thanks i think i may need it lol

Tuppence2 · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

steve · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

A solid slow release fertilizer seems to work the best for pines. I use ozmocte in the early spring and leave it for the year. They respond well to it.

Stymie · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 7:24 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

I have white pine on its own roots and also grafted onto black pine, scots and mugo varieties. This year I have planted them all in half Akadama and half Kiadama. This is completely without feed value but the root extension is progressing phenominally. It seems to be ideal.

Neo · Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:55 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

ive heard alot about black pine roots being grafted as there stronger??

Stymie · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 6:47 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

True mate, a grafted one would probably suit you better. The others are tediously slow and a bit temperamental.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

I think I've over-fed my little white pine - it's needles are browning and dropping. It's candles look well. Should I give it "Superthrive" or just leave it to recover, if it does?

Thanks,

Penny.

Neo · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:34 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

i'll see if i can find a grafted one, cheers

John P · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

I think I'd be inclined to give it nothing but water for a while. My feelings about Superthrive are that it may assist in the intake of even more nutrients. I don't know how long ago it was over fed, but you may flush it through under a steady stream of fresh water to leach of some of the fertilizer.
Best wishes.
John.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:46 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

Hello John.

Thanks very much for the advice. It would have been fed around the 16th of the month. I'm using Stymie's regime of feeding on the 1st and 16th of each month.

I'll leave it alone and hope it recovers.

Penny Smile

John P · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 8:08 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

I do like the sound of Don's feeding regime. I have adhered religiously to my own system for the last twenty years, which is feeding when I remember. Usually about every two to three weeks I guess. Feeding only the plants that require it.
Best regards.
John.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 8:20 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

I didn't realize that pines don't need feeding like other trees. Have learned a lesson. Smile

Penny

steve · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:01 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

Having followed Dick's advice and starting using slow release fert. for pines I've seen much more robust trees and some that even live. That's a big step for me.

Dick · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:06 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

This year I fertilized my pines twice with balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at recommended strength to see if it makes a difference. I'll let you know in a year.

steve · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:07 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

So much for that. Thanks Dick now three of pines will probably drop dead. I hope THEY didn't hear you.

Tuppence2 · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:13 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Pines

Hope all the pines do well. I've removed some of the dead