Bonsai Pinus pentaphylla (Pine)

FAMILY

Pinaceae

ETYMOLOGY

From the primitive Latin name "pinus", from the Greek "pitus" and from its old word "pix-cis", meaning resinous; and "penta", five, "phylla", leaf.

SUBSCRIBER

From spring to fall. It is preferable to use organic fertilizers, which favor and preserve mycorrhizae.

TRANSPLANT

Every 3 years, at the time the candles are stretched (growth bud) and before the needles contained therein unfold. In our Mediterranean area it is usually in the middle of March.

SUBSTRATUM

100% Kiryuzuna, or mixed with 50-70% Akadama.

PRUNING

Pruning is done in the coldest months of the year. Whenever we can, we have to leave needles and buds on the branch, otherwise it will dry up.

GRIPPING

The pinching is carried out during the spring lengthening of the sails. First we will brake the strongest, breaking them with our fingers, leaving only 1/3 of the candle. We will break the medians in half. We will only eliminate 1/3 of the weak ones, and if they are very weak we will not touch them. This must be done before the needles unfold, usually in the month of March.

WIRING

From October to March. Preferably with copper wire, since it must remain in the tree for a long time because they are very flexible trees.

Situation: It must be located outside in full sun. It is one of the trees most in need of sun exposure.

Irrigation: Pines require controlled irrigation. An excess of it, especially if the substrate does not drain well enough, is fatal for the life of the mycorrhizae. These are fungi whose roots (hyphae) act in symbiosis with those of the pine, helping it to absorb mineral elements from the soil, such as phosphorus. In the absence of them, the tree weakens, eventually dying.

Curiosities: In Japan, this pine is considered feminine. The light color and texture of its needles and their reduced size give it this character. It is one of the emblematic trees of bonsai.

* Observations: The shape and measurements of the bonsai are approximate. The color and shape of the pot may vary from the one in the photo. Remember that a bonsai is a living being, that is why the images that appear are representative.