First attempt at bonsai, so now what?

[Ronniecha]

So I decided to jump in to bonsai with my first Japanese Black Pine, please see attached images. I ordered from an online source, and it has been planted in this pot for about a month now, and already looks like there is some growth, again see images. As I would like to keep this tree more or less this size and in this pot, here are some questions for the esteemed experienced panel of experts:

1. Do I leave as-is for a longer period of time before doing anything?
2. It looks like I should pull/trim some of the needles off the trunk for appearance? Is this correct, and if so, which is preferable... plucking or trimming?
3. I pruned the highest leader down about half-way to make it more "aesthetic" to my eye once I repotted it, that cut is shown close-up in the image, already seems to be growth around this cut.
4. Again, I would like to keep this tree in the current pot for awhile, just want to age in place and take on a more refined, bonsai apprearance, if this makes sense.

I appreciate any comments and direction,
どうもありがとうございます!

 

[SeanS]

Where in the world are you? Please add your location to your profile

 

[Ronniecha]

Where in the world are you? Please add your location to your profile

I don't see how to add that, will check

 

[Gabler]

Resource icon

Bonsai Tonight Japanese Red & Black Pines Links

May 15, 2015

A compilation of links to all the Bonsai Tonight red and black pine articles (and a couple others)

• jeanluc83
• Links

 

[ShadyStump]

There are no short answers to any of your questions, and it won't take you long to figure out why. Just dig around the site, use the search function, you'll be drowning in information before you know it. You'll know you've asked a stupid question when it only gets one page of answers that all agree.

You just repotted and chopped a bit off a smaller tree, so let it recover for the season. Do nothing else but water and fertilizer, and just read, at least until fall. If you feel the need to mess with a tree, get a couple ficus. Those things are masochistic cockroaches (relatively speaking), and will take about as much punishment as you can dish out.
Also, plenty of folks here in Florida and the surrounding region, so pay close attention to what they say; geography is everything.

 

[mj_barb]

Welcome!

A few good JBP resources:
-Bonsaify on YouTube - he has a ton of videos working on young (and old) JBP. FYI - Yours is likely 3 or 4 years old
-Julian Adams has a really good book on pines. Look up his website “Adams Bonsai”

Do what the previous post said - maintenance until at least fall. And get a few more trees to play with. I assume you are in an apartment based on the balcony. There are challenges with that, but I still have a few JBP (that looked like yours) from that point in my life.

Best of luck!

 

[Gabler]

Thread 'Do You YouTube? Favorite bonsai person to follow'

Jan 19, 2025

While the polar vortex works its way across the country, Midwest deep freeze, there is nothing outdoorsy going on. So, I am left to wonder and dream about spring, and salivate about what I want to accomplish, when it warms up.

How often do you watch YouTube videos about bonsai? Do you have a favorite or particular YouTuber you prefer? Peter Chan.

Notions Bonsai, he's sweet, enthusiastic, and I think the Braveheart hair is cute

You can be well versed in bonsai, but if your presentation and or voice is less than pleasing to the ear, I'll take a pass.

And this is what happens with too...

• GreenGrowTheRushes
• Replies: 56
• Forum: General Discussion

• 

I'm a big fan of that Dutch guy.

 

[SFDrake]

I don't see how to add that, will

I'm in ft lauderdale also. I live in a townhouse shaded by a huge banyon tree, so I get limited sunlight (bright morning sunlight with afternoon shade) so I have to be selective with the trees i keep. Most if mine are tropical. Your in a high rise, on a balcony so you have some of the same issues. I'm new to this also so my only advice is to watch it for awhile and make sure its healthy and acclimating to your light conditions.

I threw in a picture of my half ass bench some nursery projects, under limited light. Everything seems to be growing well so far. There have been some very helpful people on here willing to give me seasoned advice with patience for my amateur questions, so ask away!

Good luck neighbor!
The Drake