Jooni
Pine
8 Species
Species
Fertilizing
Pine bonsai trees are light feeders, requiring a balanced but moderate fertilization approach. Apply balanced organic fertilizer pellets or slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through late summer). During fall and winter, suspend fertilization completely. It's crucial not to over-fertilize pines as this can harm the tree - using half-strength diluted fertilizer is often recommended. For spring growth, you may use a slightly higher nitrogen content, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Pine bonsai prefers a controlled approach to fertilization that supports slow, steady growth rather than rapid spurts. During the growing season, regularly monitor your tree's response to fertilization and adjust accordingly. If you notice yellowing needles or weak growth, reduce the fertilizer strength.
Placement
Pines absolutely require an outdoor location with full sun exposure - they cannot survive as indoor bonsai. Place your pine bonsai in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While pines are generally hardy trees, they need protection once temperatures drop below 15°F (-10°C). During extreme winter conditions, move the tree to a cold frame or sheltered location, but never bring it indoors.
The location should also offer good air circulation while protecting from strong winds that can damage branches and dry out the foliage. During summer, while pines love full sun, be mindful of extremely hot afternoon sun in warmer climates which may require some afternoon shade protection. Some pine species may show winter color changes in their foliage - this is a natural frost protection mechanism and not a cause for concern.
Pruning
Pruning pine bonsai requires specific techniques tailored to their growth patterns. The most important pruning technique is candle pruning, which involves pinching or cutting new spring growth (candles) to control growth and promote density. This should be done in late spring or early summer when the candles are still soft. Remove about half to two-thirds of each candle, making cuts at an angle to encourage water runoff.
For needle maintenance, regularly remove old or yellowing needles to improve air circulation and light penetration to inner branches. When pruning branches, never remove all the green growth from a branch as pines cannot regenerate from bare wood. Maintain some needles on every branch you wish to keep alive. Structure pruning should focus on removing crossing branches, reducing foliage density in crowded areas, and maintaining the desired silhouette.
Repotting
Repot your pine bonsai every 3-4 years in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Young trees may need more frequent repotting (every 2-3 years), while mature specimens can go longer between repottings. Use a well-draining soil mix consisting of about 50% inorganic materials (like pumice, lava rock, or coarse sand) and 50% organic components (such as pine bark or peat moss).
When repotting, be conservative with root pruning - remove no more than one-third of the root mass. Work carefully to preserve the fine feeder roots while removing old soil. After repotting, place the tree in a sheltered location for a few weeks to recover, and avoid fertilizing for at least a month post-repotting.
Watering
Pine bonsai requires careful attention to watering as they prefer slightly dry conditions between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, but adjust based on climate and season. Always ensure good drainage and never allow the roots to sit in standing water.
During winter, reduce watering frequency but don't allow the soil to completely dry out. Monitor soil moisture regularly by checking the weight of the pot or inserting a chopstick into the soil - if it comes out clean, the soil is too dry. During hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently and consider misting the foliage to increase humidity, especially after repotting.