Dear All,

I'm based in Japan, and have just inherited two large pine bonsai. One is goyoumatsu (Japanese white pine), the other kuro-matsu (black pine). Both are a around 60-70 years old, in superb original bonsai pots. The White pine is on a rock formation in an original oval dish pot, the latter a larger original bonsai pot. Both have been trained for most of their lives, but have been neglected for around 5 years. I've not time to sort them out before the spring, but just want them to survive until I can attend to them. What watering routine, and how much sunlight would members recommend to keep them healthy enough before possibly repotting, remedial pruning, training etc? The White pine stands around 1 and half feet tall and same width, the black pine around 2 feet. Trunks are around 4 inches. I attach pics of the white pine (taken in the dark - location is temporary). Thanks for your comments.

Try a local bonsai club. If you don't have any experience with bonsai, there's a big chance they will die.

Cheers

Yup... agreeing with that. Do not try to train these trees if you have no experience at all. Especially the white pine can be killed easily if you do the repotting/wiring/shaping wrong.

Thanks a lot. My uncle is an expert and will be helping with the wiring, repotting etc when het comes over in the spring. Just want to get them through the winter here without killing them. Just the watering I'm cautious about. Anyway, thanks.

can't help you with the care, as I am very capable at killing pines.

As your uncle is an expert, I would recommend asking him for proper care. Thing is, local conditions affect what can and cannot be done. Assuming your uncle has similar climate as you, he can give the best advice for care.

Such a wonderful tree!
Please keep it thriving, and keep us posted on the progression!

Thanks! I'll try! Here's the other one...kuro-matsu (Japanese Black Pine) and a few more of the goyoumatsu...