Japanese white pine

  • Nick Meusel
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Japanese white pine was created by Nick Meusel

Posted 5 years 3 months ago #59170
I’m currently using a soil composition of 80% Kiryuzuna and 20% pumice for my white pine, it drains rapidly but I’m thinking to change to
- 40% kiryuzuna 2/5 mm.
- 20% akadama 2/5 mm.
- 20% universal potting soil
- 10% zeolite
- 10% volcanic rock 3/5 mm.

Pines need well draining soil, should I remove the potting soil? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas !!
Thank you
Nick
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  • Tropfrog
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Replied by Tropfrog on topic Japanese white pine

Posted 5 years 3 months ago #59196
The best substrate is largelly depending on your climate and care. Hard to give suggestion on a global forum.
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  • leatherback
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Replied by leatherback on topic Japanese white pine

Posted 5 years 3 months ago #59197
General potting soil is generally a poor choice and for pines even more so. Of course, one CAN grow pines in there but you have very little control on the water status.

I once wrote a generic advice regarding substrate. THe substrate mix I use is very similar to what is used in other places around the world, with a focus on it being open, sifted to a more or less homogenous size and water retentive enough to keep roots moist.

Take a look: www.growingbonsai.net/characteristics-of-good-bonsai-substrate/

The exact components do not matter as much as some would like you believe. Certainly not if you are not working on highly refined speciment trees. Only a few, most notable Azalea, species have special requirements.
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  • Nick Meusel
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Replied by Nick Meusel on topic Japanese white pine

Posted 5 years 3 months ago #59199
Great explanation on that link you sent me. Thank you very much
Regards
Nick
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