I am new to Bonsai. Last year, on holiday, I bought a grow from seed kit and after a year my tree looks like this (see attached photo). Should I start pruning the long leaves or should I just let it grow some more?
The tree is a Japanese Black Pine it currently stands at 7.5cm high.
Thanks
Geoffa

Bonsai seed does not exist.

This seedling is too young and fragile to shape.
Let it grow freely for a couple of years. Meanwhile study the basics.
Understand that it will take decades to grow a decent pine bonsai from seed.

This plant belongs outside, it will not survive indoors.

Hi Auk
Many thanks for your advice. I did not realize that I should put it outdoors. Will it survive a British winter externally while it is still so young?
Geoffa

Hi Geoffa,

I have several white and black pines from seed.
They have been inside in spring, during their first weeks after germinating, but when they were strong enough they went outside and they have been there ever since.

Especially the black pines are doing great.

I think your British winter isn't much different from our Dutch one so it should be fine.

Here's a picture. I have about 12, so I can experiment a bit (and you'll notice I don't have enough training pots ).
I'm using different soil mixes to see if it matters. Would have been helpful if I had actually written down which tree is in what mixture

For one of them, I've done bud selection and pruned the long top candle to try and promote backbudding.
Seems to work... but I don't recommend you to do the same - it is not without risk.

Some, of which the 'trunks' seemed strong enough, I've done some very basic wiring and shaping. Again, don't try that yet, your seedling is too young. Mine are 2 years old (and I was impatient), I'd recommend to wait until it is at least 3 years old.

Many thanks for the advice,its been really helpful.
Geoff

Auk wrote:

I have about 12, so I can experiment a bit. I'm using different soil mixes to see if it matters. Would have been helpful if I had actually written down which tree is in what mixture

Interesting experiment Auk... Would you please share the final outcome with us? Or in any case, the progression of this experiment. It would be beneficial knowing which substrate behaves better under certain conditions...

Alain

alainleon1983 wrote:

Interesting experiment Auk... Would you please share the final outcome with us? Or in any case, the progression of this experiment. It would be beneficial knowing which substrate behaves better under certain conditions...

Well... I didn't make a note of what mixture is in what pot, so that's going to be a bit tricky
Some are growing much faster than others. Next time, when/if I repot them, I'll try and figure it out.

Hi I have a post about my tree but no one is helping me, can anyone on this post help me find out what type of tree I have and if the bark is infected

Philparker1994 wrote:

Hi I have a post about my tree but no one is helping me, can anyone on this post help me find out what type of tree I have and if the bark is infected

Uhmmmm... No need to hijack another user´s topic... In any case, patience is a virtue Phil... I´ve already answered your topic.


Alain