How to grow a five-needle pine bonsai? Mastering the three fears and four musts is key

The three fears

First fear: too much fertilizer. The five-needle pine's requirement for fertilizer is light and sparse feeding; only once a year, from August to October, should a thin liquid fertilizer be applied. If spring growth is vigorous, a little may be applied, but at ordinary times no fertilizer should be given. Beginners growing pines often think it grows too slowly and want to feed it more to make it grow faster, but the result is just the opposite.

Second fear: water accumulating in the pot. If watered too much, air circulation within the pot will be blocked, causing root rot and withered branches and leaves. As the saying goes, "dry pine, wet cypress" - that is the reason.

Third fear: frequent repotting. A potted plant only needs repotting once every 3 to 4 years, and the time should be from late September to early October, or from February to March. But some pine growers, choosing pots for styling, repot recklessly at the wrong time, and the plant dies from being repotted too often.

The four musts

First, it must get plenty of sunlight; it is best to place it in a sunny, ventilated spot, and when the air is dry, spray the leaves twice a day in the morning and evening.

Second, it must be pruned, and this should be done during the dormant period to prevent excessive loss of sap and damage to its vitality.

Third, in winter it must be kept in a ventilated, sunny, warm, humid, smoke-free room.

Fourth, it must be observed regularly, with timely prevention and control of pests and diseases.

Featured content