A white pine bonsai tree would be an ideal choice if you are looking for a comparatively simple tree to raise as a Bonsai. White pine bonsai are not as prone to drying like other examples of bonsai tree. They should only require basic pruning and will need to be repotted once they out grow their original container.
In their natural habitat, the forest, white pine trees can grow to a height of over 50ft. They usually grow naturally straight and they are very well suited for developing as a Bonsai tree. White pine bonsai are recommended for growing as a formal “upright” tree. The trunk will naturally grow straight up from the base of the tree.
Many people understand that a Bonsai tree is some kind of a dwarf variety of a natural tree, but they are mistaken as a bonsai tree is grown and traind by careful pruining, wiring and shaping to be and exact replica in minature of a it’s full grown varity even exhibiting the same traits.
The needles of the white pine bonsai are a gorgeus shade of blue that tend to group together from a bud. The branches of the pine will grow in circular formations that would look like tiers when viewed from above.
As the tree starts to show new growth then your bonsai will look healthy and bright. The pine needles will begin to lengthen and will be a lighter shade. You will need to carefully prune back new growth as necessary to maintain the shape of your tree.
When you are ready to re-pot your tree it is best to wait until the fall otherwise your tree may suffer and weaken under the summer sun, possibly even causing it to die.
Make sure that your white pine bonsai is able to drain any excess water. Bonsai pines will almost certainly die if they are watered to excess. It is better to create a mix of soil, peat and sand to build the medium for the tree to grow in.
When you need to re-pot plan on to cut off less than a third of the roots or the bonsai tree may become unstable.
Your tree will usually shed some needles during the warm months of summer, you may aalso see that during the warmer monthsyour tree may dry out somewhat and as a result of this needles will become dry up and fall from the tree, this is natural ond should not be a cause for concern. But, if your tree develops large round circles of a dark growth on it’s trunk or branches then this may be an indicatione that your tree has a disease. This may be cause for worry and you should consult your local garden center for professional advice on treatments.
If you do ever spot any bugs or other pests you can try spraying some diluted washing up liquid onto your tree to get rid of them. It is wise to spray again with pure water the next day to rinse the needles.Watering should be carried out on alternate days, always ensure that the container has adequate water drainage though as it will almost certainly die off if it becomes waterlogged. The tree will exhibit most of its growth in the fall. You should try to feed the tree about once a month, again do not over do it as you will do more harm than good.