Key points for making a mountain pine bonsai: get these right and the survival rate will be high
The mountain pine is a fairly common tree, also known as the Masson pine, yet very few can be used as bonsai material, because although it is common, it grows slowly, and making and caring for it is very troublesome, so owning a mountain pine bonsai can be regarded as a treasure.
The making of a mountain pine bonsai is mainly divided into four parts: collecting the stump, planting, management, and styling. When collecting the stump, you must pay attention to the timing, because if it is too early or too late, the resin within the stump will flow; if the bark is damaged during collection, the resin will seal the wound, which afterwards is also unfavorable to the stump's survival, so it is best to choose around the Start of Spring, when the sap within the stump is relatively stable and has not yet begun to sprout.
At the same time, after collecting the stump is completed, you must first pre-treat the stump, sealing the wounds and the root ends, and keep a soil ball with intact fibrous roots; the branches and leaves should also be decided according to the condition of the roots. For the final planting, it is best to choose a wide, large pot, and the soil used is also best a looser-textured soil, as this favors root growth; as for water, it needs moderate watering.
As for light, a newly planted bonsai must be carefully shaded, because in the early stage of planting the roots are not fully grown, and too much light will cause the plant to lose too much water; once it has fully survived, this no longer matters, though it is of course best placed in a ventilated spot, and pay attention to soil moisture. In the process of styling it, grafting and pruning should be combined, and attention must be paid to its growth period, otherwise it will cause harm to the plant.
In daily care there are also many details to note, otherwise they will affect the growth and ornamental quality of the mountain pine bonsai. The mountain pine is an extremely sun-loving plant; if the light duration is not long enough, it will have a side effect on its growth; unlike other plants it does not have broad leaves, and its needles must also be handled regularly, removing some dead and aged needles to prevent them from competing with new needles for nutrients; the placement of the bonsai is also particular, it should be placed in a spot with light and ventilation, and it must not be moved frequently. Of course, in windy and rainy weather, be careful to take protective measures.
There is one more point that is also very worth noting: during planting, the potting soil chosen absolutely must not be disinfected. Many people think disinfection can prevent microorganisms from harming the plant, but because of the special nature of the mountain pine, since it is a mycorrhizal tree species, disinfection will also have a great impact on its roots; in severe cases the plant's new roots will be unable to grow, ultimately leading to the plant's death. Therefore, both the making and the care of a mountain pine bonsai require certain skills, otherwise it is very hard to keep it alive.