Patiently growing on a Kuromatsu

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

A quick visual update - Late December is the time I de-candle here in sunny Newcastle.
This years candle extensions had become much smaller before needles opening with sizing more consistent than previous years.

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Once again removing all candles ranging from small to large (Ryan Neil) Although notably size variation now at minimum.

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happy with the bark development

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I do a minimum amount of needle plucking - I don't really count pairs or work to any particular formula when removing amount of needles. Just ones that kinda stick out I guess or look poor.

The tree is pushing itself out of the pot so a repot is on the "things to do" list....well …..eventually..i'm very lazy

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[MJL]

Thank you. For someone just getting into pines - yeah, what?! - I really appreciate the clarity of the photos. Cool tree and the pot is brutally beautiful. Brutal and beautiful - do those words even go together? I reckon they do .... Inspired, I am. Cheers for the update.


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[greg27]

the pot is brutally beautiful.

Perfect description!

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

the pot is brutally beautiful.

Perfect description!

Oh yeah... some info on the pot. It is a commissioned piece made by Helen Dunkerley (Ceramics). It suffered a firing crack down the side and acquired a "kiln kiss" where it accidently touched another glazed piece in the process. The potter was disappointed, but I love it even more for being beautifully imperfect.

@MJL -glad you found interest here, hope this thread may help encourage many new pine growers like yourself.

[Matt S]

Great progression KC&R, the needles are reducing nicely and the tree is looking great. This is a great example of how sticking to the same routine will produce results, especially with pines.

My only minor quibble is that I'd like to see more of the trunk!

Matt.

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Two years older and needle size has still been reducing quite well.
A couple of update pics showing new candles fully extended with reduced lengths.

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[Nate.bonsai]

Oh wow, super impressed with the number of growing tips that you have produced!

Actually, jealous, as I know how long a road is ahead of me. But, I love seeing the number multiply every year.


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[Keep Calm and Ramify]

A few more update pics - In July 2022 I re-potted as the potting mix had become quite compact. There was a lot of mycorrhizae present.

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The tree has responded well, but I have been unable to work on the top too much this growing period as I discovered a large wasps nest living within the canopy.
Every time I water they become really really cranky & fly at my face. I squeal & run away as fast as I can.

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