Japanese Black Pine - A Seasonal Guide

[Lane]

Tree already has a great trunk and branching just looking to continue to improve ramification with smaller needles and short internodes.

[Lane]

I think you may be right Jow, I believe the candles were cut very late.

I will add some pics tonight if I can.

[Jow]

If cut late the tree will set buds with no extension. I would reduce to 1 terminal bud on all shoots then proceed as normal in spring.

[ngreen]

I was reading through the thread looking to get an idea of the best time to repot my JBP. I picked it up a few months back and I have a great pot sitting there waiting.

It would also be great to get some advice on how aggressive I can be root pruning. Thanks!

Btw I live in Melbourne.

[melbrackstone]

Thanks for the info on the tropical JBPine Tambrand!

Fab info from everyone else too... great resource!

[Ilithya]

Hello. Just wondering if anyone can help me. I just bought this tree this morning and just wondering if its ok to put it like this on the photo and where can i choice the right branch


Thank you

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[Lane]

I suggest a literati, first branch generally around 2/3rds of tree height, chop that first branch off or keep for a while as a sacrifice and use the branches in the upper section.

Eg: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=lite ... 78&bih=655

[Ilithya]

Thank you Lane

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[Ilithya]

Anyone here live in sutherland shire nsw?

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[JulzD]

Hello all.

As its approaching Spring, I am asking for advice on what feed is best.
Firstly, liquid vs Osmocote? Is there benefit to liquid over pellet?
Secondly, if liquid is beneficial, which? Nitrosol? Seasol? Other?
Finally, dilution on the liquid, given that over-watering these beauties is bad.

[shibui]

Hi JulzD. I don't use one or the other. My pines get a range of fertilisers and seem to appreciate that. I use osmocote in the mix. That gives a background, constant release of nutrients so even when I'm a bit slack and forget to feed they still get something. As well as osmocote I supplement with regular (well, semi-regular ) applications of liquid fert - aiming at every 3 weeks but more often every 4-5 weeks. That gives a boost and may supply some nutrients that are not in osmocote. Plants don't care what brand you use and none of mine can read the labels anyway. All they are interested in is nutrients and all fertilisers have nutrients. I use thrive, Powerfeed and anything else that is available. Occasionally I also add some solid slow release pellets to the pots for some variety in the diet. Some growers make their own special mixes but I just use a few 'chook poo' pellets.
Many growers also use seasol but you do need to understand that seasol does NOT claim to be a fertiliser. Nutrient levels are variable depending where and when the seaweed came from so they call this a 'soil conditioner'. Use it if you wish but use it along with a proper fertiliser program rather than instead.
We also found that pines grow far better when fertiliser program continues through winter. Pine roots seem to be active all year in Aust and can take up nutrients even in winter.

[JulzD]

That is what I expected to hear, Shibui. Thank you very much.
I am aware of the "conditioner" nature of Seasol, and am glad to hear you agree that it isn't of direct benefit when considering actual fertilisation.
Osmocote and Powerfeed it is.
Cheers.

[JulzD]

Also, as for roots always being "awake", so to speak, I am wary of not giving the plant some sort of dormancy, even if it is contrived/simulated.
The trick I think is knowing when to do that for the micro-climate in which you find yourself.

[MJL]

Just a quick note of thanks to Daluke for starting thread back in 2016. And then for all the comments. Very helpful.

I was wary/almost scared of JBP’s - not sure why - other than an over-riding sense of dread at doing the wrong things at the wrong time/stuffing up decandling. I’ve stumbled on this thread and makes me think I can give them a go one day.


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[JulzD]

I had a sense of dread about them too. I decided there's no better way to learn than to try. To falter, to fix, and to proceed.
It all adds to the story of the tree. It is all part of the soul and essence of the living thing that then gives back to you.
As my intent is for my best JBP to go my eldest son, and to be his to sculpt and guide for his children, it is a story that can live on for generations.

Such is my love for this craft.