Informtion needed re: JBP

[Glenda]

Hi people,

purchased this JBP yesterday, and I have no experience with things like what to do about all the buds growing out of the tips, and what to do with candles. I read about trimming of all but two buds, then letting them elongate into candles, then cut some of the candle off etc. What I want to know is do I do this now? I am not into overly large bonsais being female I need to be able to lift them myself. I would like a thicker trunk on this, and am happy with the movement in the trunk, but do I need to do anything about buds and candles now?

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Glenda

[shibui]

Hi Glenda,
In info on black pines there seems to be confusion between the terms 'bud' and 'candle'. Finally, After years of confusion I think the term 'candle' refers to the buds (there, now I've confused the issue!) that form in spring and elongate into cylindrical spikes a bit like a pencil. In late spring the needles start to grow out of the sides of these candles. Strong candles usually have a bare 'neck' at the base where no needles emerge and, therefore, no future buds can grow.
The term 'bud' usually seems to refer to the shoots that grow later in the year after candles have been pruned. These tend to put out needles much quicker and tend to have needles right to the base making it easier to force backbuds some time in the future.

From the look of the growth on your pine it would appear that the 'candles' have been removed earlier this year and the new growth is resulting 'buds'.
You may be able to identify bare sections of trunk where candles were allowed to mature without pruning in past years.

I read about trimming of all but two buds

This principle applies to all bonsai, not just pines. If several shoots grow from one point on a trunk or branch that area tends to thicken and can end up as unattractive bulges or 'reverse taper'. Most bonsai growers are aware that 'bar branches' are a nono in bonsai - a bar branch is where 3 shoots were allowed to grow (the trunk and 2 side shoots). Wherever possible thin out shoots so that there is only 2 at any point - 1 continues the trunk/ branch, the other becomes a branch/ side shoot/ twig.

letting them elongate into candles, then cut some of the candle off etc.

Second budding on JBPs in Aust often grow into quite long shoots - this may be because we have such a good growing season or it may be we prune too early in spring. You can shorten any that get too long as long as there are still needles below. New buds will form at the base of needles just below the cut point.

I would like a thicker trunk on this

As with other bonsai, Leaving branches low on the trunk -'sacrifice branches' and allowing them to grow long and strong will help thicken the trunk below the point of the sacrifice branch(es). Be careful leaving 2 branches at one point on the trunk or undesirable thickening can occur (see above). You can also let the top of the tree grow mad then cut back and use a side branch to make a new apex. In any case, to thicken substantially the tree needs plenty of feeding, ample water and room for roots to grow - into the garden or a large pot with it?- or just be patient.

and am happy with the movement in the trunk,

Be aware that as a tree thickens it puts more growth on the inside of bends and less on the outside. This means that the trunk effectively straightens while it thickens. When thickening a trunk it should start with more exaggerated movement than you want to allow for this.

Good luck with the pine.

[benny350]

I recommend Leongs book - Pine Bonsai in the Temperate Climate

He owns Bonsai South in Sydney. This is his most recent book and it's packed with detailed information on all aspects of JBP.

http://www.bonsaisouth.com.au/cms3/inde ... &Itemid=86

[Glenda]

Thanks Shibui. Much appreciated.

Glenda