How much sun?

[Hornet]

Time to do some rearranging. Where i have been growing my ferns and other low light plants now gets way too much morning sun and things are cooking. Then will go to a shady spot and i was thinking of putting stock tree's in their place. Will species that like full sun be ok with full sun up untill around midday or will that not be enough for strong growth?

[Paulneill]

I was wondering the same thing . With out shade netting
Through summer I was thinking of keeping my maples in a position were they receive at least 4 hrs morning sun .I will move them
Into full sun when overcast. Is this enough light?

[kcpoole]

Maples should be fin with morning sun up to 11 am.
If you defoliate in Jan then you will get a new flush of leaves anyway and then you could leave them out all day.

I have maples in the ground that get full sun all day, so in a pot should be the same

Ken

[shibui]

Hornet and paul,
Everyones local conditions, potting mix, watering techniques, etc are different so responses to sun/water will be different and each grower needs to find the right balance for your own backyard.

All trees will grow in part shade BUT shade causes new shoots to grow longer, with long internodes and larger leaves - leaving trees sparse and leggy. May be ok for stock trees that are growing on and most growth will later be removed but not so good for established bonsai. Many species only grow buds from nodes or on old wood where a node once was so long internodes when growing trunks (and branches) will restrict the position of buds when trunks are cut back.

There is a delicate balance between sun and water. If you can keep the water up to the trees lots of light is good. I use shade only if I cannot keep trees fully hydrated through hot days. Try increasing water or change watering technique to properly soak rootball before resorting to added shade and even then just use minimum shade necessary.

I put up 30% shade mid Dec -Jan and take it down sometime in Mar if summer is hot - no need for shade at all last year! Pines and trees in large growing on pots/boxes get full sun all day, all year.

[siddhar]

There is a delicate balance between sun and water. If you can keep the water up to the trees lots of light is good. I use shade only if I cannot keep trees fully hydrated through hot days. Try increasing water or change watering technique to properly soak rootball before resorting to added shade and even then just use minimum shade necessary.

I put up 30% shade mid Dec -Jan and take it down sometime in Mar if summer is hot - no need for shade at all last year! Pines and trees in large growing on pots/boxes get full sun all day, all year.
shibui
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Shibui, this is great advice. Adjust watering to suit positon. That is a far more practical consideration to what would otherwise require a drastic change in ideas.

[kcpoole]

I agree with Shibui. Most of my trees are in full sun when I can get them, but have some natural shade from gum trees that I use
Lots of water and they will cope but you will get burnt leaves tho

Ken