Hi all, I very recently acquired this BEAUTIFUL Canary Island Pine for an utter steal! But as far as pines go I’m not that experienced styling them. So I was hoping for some possible ideas on how to style it, I already thinned the clumps of branches a bit but from here I’m not sure where to go? I’m thinking it’d make a sweet literati and I know the branches r still a bit thin but I figured with some wiring I could get a general shape started. Found it in the WAY back end of a fruit tree nursery, basically the classic Bonsai come up, I’d appreciate any and all input, graci. Side note, guess how much I payed for it??(hint I DID pay something;-)

Bonsai Bustin wrote: Hi all, I very recently acquired this BEAUTIFUL Canary Island Pine

What exactly was it that attracted you? Was it the trunk? I am not familiar with the species. The needles look big. Do you know if they reduce well!?

I already thinned the clumps of branches a bit

Maybe it is better to ask advice before removing anything.

know the branches r still a bit thin

Should not be a problem at all - as they can grow.

Typing on a tablet, which is a pain. Got to keep this short.

The price? Not regarding it's potential as a bonsai, essentially this is a neglected pine. I wouldn't not pay more than 25 Euro.

I like it and I think it can be a good bonsai if you take the right decisions.
As for the price... 30 Euros?

Hello Bustin. Just got curious, are you living on Canaries?

Bonsai Bustin wrote: Hi all, I very recently acquired this BEAUTIFUL Canary Island Pine for an utter steal!

Are you living on the Canary Island? If so and you are also really interested in Bonsai, these two links might be useful to you:

www.bonsaielvalle.com/escuela.htm
centrobonsaitenerife.blogspot.com.es

Bonsai Bustin wrote: Side note, guess how much I payed for it??(hint I DID pay something;-)

I really don´t know, but judging your enthusiasm I´l dare to say maybe 15-20 euros?

Alain

10 dollars American, for the size, it’s like 6’(2m) with a 5”(10.5cm)diameter trunk. The guy didn’t know what he was selling. It’s not in TERRIBLE shape, I may hav trimmed a bit vigorously BUT it had an odd branching pattern bekuz if it’s location in the nursery(ie how it was struggling to reach the light. It’s still very healthy.

No I like in Chula Vista CA U.S.A. Is a Suburd of San Diego

Bonsai Bustin wrote: 10 dollars American

Damn... That´s heck of a price for that tree!

Bonsai Bustin wrote: for the size, it’s like 6’(2m) with a 5”(10.5cm)diameter trunk.

Well, since and adequate proportion would 6:1 or lower (unless you are building a Literati), maybe "chopping" it up to 30 inches height would be a good start. This proportion, though, it is not a fixed ruled but rather an indicative one. So, look at your tree and decide by yourself. Currently as it is, it seems far too tall for the trunk girth.

Also, I believe that currently is having a dreadful soil mix (by your image it seems so). So, please, consider repotting as a viable option for this tree, too.

Alain

I think ur right about the soil mix, it’s still in the same stuff I bought it in. I WAS thinking Literati, it already has some deadwood at the Apex. Do u think it’d work as a Literati or......??????

Bonsai Bustin wrote: I WAS thinking Literati, it already has some deadwood at the Apex. Do u think it’d work as a Literati or......??????

First things first... This is your tree and no matter our opinions it´s you who see it everyday and it´s you who should feel happy with it. That said, I wouldn´t go for a Literati style for this tree. I´d like to have it more compact and with foliage closer and lower to the trunk. Still, this tree has some growing to do, specially regarding the foliage. It needs further development. Other than maybe shortening it in height and repotting it, I wouldn´t do nothing with it but watering it, fertilizing it and let it grow for maybe the next three years.

I know... Bonsai can be slow, but hey... Patience is the name of the game here.

Hope this helps.

Alain