When talking about the Scots pine, you probably have a large forest tree in mind. But can you imagine the coniferous tree with a low growth height as an ornament on your balcony or terrace? In bonsai form, the Scots pine impresses you and certainly also neighbors and visitors. Give it a try! In order for you to be successful in cultivation, the following article gives you valuable tips on care.
The Scots pine is a particularly beautiful bonsai
Suitable pine varieties
Many Scots pines have twisted, very short needles, which are particularly effective in bonsai form. Basically, you can use any subspecies of Scots pine. However, we particularly recommend:
- the Scots pine (length of the needles: 3.5 cm)
- the Engadine Scots pine (length of the needles: 2.5-3 cm)
- the bog forest pine (length of the needles: 2.5 cm)
Pros and cons of Scots pine in bonsai form
Many conifers are often kept as bonsai. This form of cultivation is a bit more tedious with the Scots pine, but it is definitely worth it.
benefits
- dense growth due to short needles
- bicolor stem
- almost every design imaginable
- branches very flexible even in old age, which are easy to wire
disadvantage
- some subspecies quickly lose their needles
- the above varieties are not available everywhere
Tips for care
location
It is best to place your Scots pine in a sunny spot. If there is too little light, the tree forms longer needles.
watering and fertilizing
Keep the substrate constantly moist. Drainage protects against waterlogging and the associated death of the roots. In order to inhibit the budding, you should only water sparingly in the spring. Mix the substrate from Akadama and humus in a ratio of 2:1. The fertilizer is applied from May to August with organic ball fertilizer.
To cut
Shorten the candles until the beginning of summer. New buds will soon form here. From the point at which the new shoots become woody, cut them back to a third. You can wire the pine for support. So that the tree is not damaged, you should cover the wire with raffia.
repot
Every two years you should repot your Scots pine and make a root cut.
hibernate
Your bonsai pine must not get frost. Overwinter the plant on the windowsill.