Although pine trees are very undemanding and easy to care for, their growth will benefit if you devote a little time and care to your coniferous tree. With the right tips, your pine will grow into a magnificent tree. Alternatively, you can also keep the pine as a bonsai. You can read here what you need to consider for the different types of cultivation.
A pine needs little care but a lot of light
Pine trees need light
Caring for a pine includes, among other things, ensuring that there is sufficient light. From the beginning you should choose a sunny location. Avoid letting your pine grow too close to buildings or walls, or other tall trees blocking the light. If you keep your pine in a pot, it is best to place it on the windowsill so that the lower branches also get light.
The substrate
When it comes to soil conditions, pines are very frugal. However, some measures optimize the development.
Fertilize
You should fertilize a bonsai pine every 14 days with a liquid fertilizer. During the winter, stop fertilizing completely.
pour
Although the pine can tolerate prolonged drought, it is advisable to keep the soil moist all year round. However, you should avoid waterlogging.
Keep the pines as bonsai
Regular trimming of the shoots is necessary to maintain the bonsai shape of your pine trees. Here's how to do it:
- Make prunings in winter when the least amount of resin escapes from the cut
- in July and August cut back all shoots that are too long to 1 cm, pluck off old needles
- Pinch off buds from September to November
- Repeat the process in March or April
- in May remove the new candles and young shoots
- in October remove the old needles from the previous year
recognize diseases
The following care mistakes are often responsible for growth disorders:
- incorrect watering (waterlogging)
- repot
If three-year-old needles turn yellow, there is nothing to worry about. This is a natural process, unlike discoloration of new needles. There could be a fungal disease here.