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Production of French Bonsai
Bonsai
Pin noir "pinus thunbergii" 1-4
The Thunbergii Pine is an essence of virility par excellence: upright, magnificent, powerful, well "seated" in its pot, rises towards the sky. The dark trunk, with cracked bark, offers a striking contrast to the rather light green needles, full of freshness and health.
Japanese black pine in bonsai
In Japan, this pine is considered masculine. In temples it is often presented at the entrance, as a sign of protection. Its vigour, the texture of its bark, the dark colour of its needles, and their rigidity, give it its masculine character.
+ Family: Pinaceae
+ Origin: Japan
+ Deep green needle grouped in pairs
+ Seedlings grown in the ground and then in pots
Growing Tips
The Japanese black pine is what is known as a two-shoot pine because it has such vigor that with proper pinching you can force new buds to appear during the summer.
Location : In its natural environment, it is a very vigorous seaside tree. It should be exposed to outdoor sunlight. It is one of the trees that requires the most sunlight.
Watering : it should be controlled and moderated. Let the root ball dry out a little between waterings to avoid excess moisture. The length of the needles will also depend on your ability to manage watering. Reducing them is a combination of several factors, including reducing watering when they develop. Also, protect Japanese black pine from rains during the candle development period.
Substrate and repotting : in the spring just after the buds start to grow. Choose a well-draining substrate that will avoid stagnant moisture at the roots. Repot every 3 years for black pines in formation, then space them out as they mature and become denser.
Pruning : Always leave needles and buds on a branch you cut back, otherwise it will dry out. Pinching the buds in the spring to balance the forces and reduce the size of the needles.
Fertilization : On a mature bonsai, fertilize only from summer onwards so that you don't have large needles. On a growing black pine that you want to grow or densify, start fertilizing in late spring.
Ligation : during the winter until the beginning of spring so as not to damage the buds and candles. Black pine has a fairly soft wood that is quite easy to tie and allows for fairly free shaping.
