Japanese Black Pine Bonsai

The Japanese Black Pine Bonsai belongs to the Pinaceae family. The pine tree originates from the coastal areas of Japan and South Korea. The trees will reach to about 40 feet tall. They are a two needle pine and they bud in the spring. The bark starts out as a grey colour, as the tree mature its branches and bark turn black, making the Japanese Black Pine a very attractive tree. The new growth of the tree comes from the new bud. Landscape gardening and the Bonsai technique are the primary uses of this species. This tree is one of the most widely known tree for the use in Bonsai pruning.

Tree position

The Japanese Black Pine Bonsai needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. Too much or too little sunlight will do harm to this tree. There seems to be a difference of opinion as to what type of soil. Some experts call for organic soils help to encourage the health of the fungus, while other soils do not. The roots of the tree contain a fungus that helps in breaking down the necessary nutrients that the tree needs to thrive. Other experts suggest a non-organic soil. It does require that the soil be well drained and it is a drought tolerant tree. Being a coastal tree, it is tolerant to wind and is also does not mind cooler weather.

Watering and feeding

The Japanese Black Pine needs daily watering in the hot summer months. It in cooler seasons of spring and fall an every other day watering schedule is advised. In the cold winter months, watering the pine every three to four days will be sufficient. Liquid fertilizer is recommended as the way of feeding these trees. This type of fertilizer washes away easily, so it needs to be reapplies frequently.

Pruning a Japanese Black Pine

The Japanese Black Pine is pruned starting in early December. Pull the needles in the same direction in which they are growing. Leave very few needles on the top branches, about a dozen on the middle tree branches, and about 15 or so on the next level of branches. Do not remove needles from the bottom branches; they are the weakest branches and damage could easily occur to the tree during the removal process. Wiring of the bonsai can be done during this time as well. Wiring needs to be done before the new buds develop on the tree in late January. De-candling of the tree needs to be done in late summer. This does create a lot of stress for the tree, so if the tree is already weak do not perform this step. Do not feed the tree for a few weeks after the candles are removed. Very tiny buds will make an appearance after two weeks of the procedure. Needle thinning can occur in late summer and early winter months.

Potting

Re-potting of the Japanese Black Pine can be done as early as December, but no later than mid-February. This too will put a lot of stress on the tree; make sure it is healthy and strong before changing pots. It is recommended that these trees be re-potted at least every two years. Carefully remove the tree from the pot. Comb out the roots and remove any root damage. Have the new pot ready with soil at the bottom. Re plant the tree at the same height as it was in the previous pot. Glaze pots are a favorite type of pot for growing these trees. Copper pots make stunning show pots for these black trees. Terracotta pots can be used as well. As long as the pot is big enough for the root ball almost any pot will due.