Of the two young black pines below, which do you expect to grow more next year – the one on the left, or the one on the right?
2-1/2 year-old black pines
My money’s on the tree on the right. Not because the foliage is a darker green, but because the buds are so much stronger.
Healthy apical bud
The tree on the left is weak and has tiny buds. This is likely due to some stress on the tree such as infestation or aggressive repotting. As a result, the tree isn’t preparing for a vigorous burst of growth next spring.
Weak apical bud
As expected, the side buds on each tree are weaker than the apical buds.
Healthy side bud
Weak side bud – you have to squint to see it
If the buds on your pines are small, ask why that may be the case. There’s still time this summer to make corrections before these trees go dormant.
Subscribe to Bonsai Tonight
New Posts Delivered Every Tuesday and Friday
Jean Massumi Hara says
Agree with you Jonas…but probably I would buy the left one(sighting the future)…the lower foliage…is that correct?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Jean – good question. The answer depends on whether you want to make a big tree or a smaller tree. Both trees could be used to make fun bonsai in a number of sizes or styles.
Maureen Ogle says
So: how would you make corrections?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Maureen – the corrections are the same for any unhealthy tree. Find out what the problem is and go from there. Many of my trees had root aphids so I started by treating for that (http://bonsaitonight.com/2015/08/04/why-is-my-tree-yellow/). More importantly, I’m watching the water carefully as keeping weak trees too wet or dry is stressful for them.
africanbirding says
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.