Last year I made reference to a process for developing exposed root pines (see “Repotting 1 year old black pine seedlings“). I started two last year, one black, one red. Here’s the black pine at 1 year.
1-year-old black pine
The tree has done well – here it is a year and a half later.
2-1/2-year-old black pine – any suggestions as to why some foliage is yellow?
The red pine potted at the same time has also taken off.
2-1/2-year-old red pine
I’m happy to see such vigorous growth and am planning to let both trees run for several years to thicken the trunk and roots. I’ll begin to consider the branches and actually expose the roots at some point in the future.
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nelibonsai says
Clever boy and well done! Can the depth of the container have something to do with the yellowing? Perhaps retaining too much water and keeping the roots wet longer? Or maybe it needs a repot? I am just speculating here.
Paul Parisi says
What are you using to wrap the roots.
Mac says
I’m seeing duct tape that is weathering away but the duct tape must be wrapped around some other containment material.
Mac says
Ah Ha! Follow Jonas’s link to the first article and you’ll get the explanation.
mirko says
But the tube is not too high, or you want to put the pine on the rock?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Mirko – the idea is to leave the roots exposed to the air, kind of like these trees:
http://bonsaitonight.com/2009/05/31/visitation-rights/
@Neli – good point about the extra water leading to yellow foliage, those are my guesses too. Will know more when I next peek at the roots.
Aquila says
When pines yellow we usually sprinkle some iron filings on the soil. They green up again fairly quickly.