First develop the trunk, then work on the branches. That’s how I think about bonsai development. If the trunk has yet to reach its final size, I use large pots and encourage vigorous growth. When I’m happy with the trunk, I move trees to smaller pots and focus on refinement. A number of my black pines turn […]
Black Pine
Too much of a good thing
As I worked my way through the repotting of many pines this winter, I found a young specimen that’s beginning to take shape. Nice, I thought, it even has a good root base. Then I looked closer. Black pine – 11 years from seed Up close, I found that the roots were actually a bit much […]
Repotting young cork bark black pines
Repotting recently grafted young pines is just like repotting non-grafted pines, only additional care is taken to avoid damaging the union. Grafted cork bark black pine After removing the pot Note the white spot – there are signs of root adelgid infestation. For those curious to see how mycorrhiza differs in appearance from adelgid infestation, […]
Cork bark black pine from graft – follow up
Two years ago, I started a few cork bark black pines by grafting (See “Creating cork bark black pine“). The grafts took, and that fall I began reducing the foliage on the host tree. Now, one year later, it’s time to repeat the process. Both the scions and their hosts grew well last year, so I […]
Pine needle scale
The pine needle scale can be tricky to spot. Small, white spots are the giveaway. Uh-oh, white spots If it’s fall or early spring where I live, it’s always what I think it is – pine needle scale. Here’s why they can be tricky to spot. When they grow on the inside surface of a […]