March 18, 2025
The Challenge of Cultivating Black Pine Bonsai
Taking care of and cultivating black pine bonsai throughout the year is no small task. Let me outline the process by season:
January–February: In the cold winter months, the bonsai enters a dormant period. Fertiliser should not be applied, and watering should be kept to a minimum. However, this is an ideal time for pruning to shape the branches or applying wire. Planning for repotting during this period is also recommended.
March–April: As temperatures rise and new buds emerge, it’s time to start applying fertiliser and gradually move on to bud pinching. Repotting can also be carried out during this season.
May–June: During this phase, new buds proliferate, and bud pinching becomes more intensive—a crucial step in shaping the bonsai. Watering must be done carefully, ensuring the soil does not dry out.
July–August: In the heat of summer, watering may need to be done as often as three times a day—morning, midday, and evening. With recent intense heatwaves, extra care is required to prevent water shortages. Additionally, vigilance against pests and diseases is essential.
September–October: Autumn slows the growth of the tree. Fertilising resumes, along with pruning and thinning out leaves to refine the bonsai’s shape.
November–December: As winter approaches, it’s time to prepare the bonsai for the cold. Unnecessary leaves can be removed, and wire can be reapplied to refine the shape. Careful attention must also be given to protecting the tree from cold weather.
While these timelines provide a general guide, seasonal variations and yearly fluctuations in temperature require a flexible approach tailored to the climate each year. Maintaining living art demands dedication and a year-round commitment to nurturing the bonsai.
I still vividly remember the summer two years ago when I devoted myself to the care of a black pine bonsai. I diligently learned from bonsai masters, researched online, and even refrained from travelling, staying by the bonsai’s side. Yet, one tragic day, I was unable to water it due to work, and the shallow-potted black pine bonsai withered—a heartbreaking memory that stays with me.
Bonsai, as living art, involves significant effort to mitigate the risk of wilting, all for the fleeting moments in a season when one can admire its beauty. Yet, despite one’s best efforts, bonsai trees can still succumb to various challenges.
On the other hand, with artisanal bonsai like A-BONSAI, once the desired tree shape is crafted, it can be appreciated throughout the year without the demanding care required for living trees. Even those unable to manage the care involved can still enjoy the artistry of bonsai within a pot. That said, I believe it’s no simple task for skilled artisans to create each handcrafted bonsai with a deep awareness of traditional Japanese bonsai techniques and aesthetic principles.
January–February: In the cold winter months, the bonsai enters a dormant period. Fertiliser should not be applied, and watering should be kept to a minimum. However, this is an ideal time for pruning to shape the branches or applying wire. Planning for repotting during this period is also recommended.
March–April: As temperatures rise and new buds emerge, it’s time to start applying fertiliser and gradually move on to bud pinching. Repotting can also be carried out during this season.
May–June: During this phase, new buds proliferate, and bud pinching becomes more intensive—a crucial step in shaping the bonsai. Watering must be done carefully, ensuring the soil does not dry out.
July–August: In the heat of summer, watering may need to be done as often as three times a day—morning, midday, and evening. With recent intense heatwaves, extra care is required to prevent water shortages. Additionally, vigilance against pests and diseases is essential.
September–October: Autumn slows the growth of the tree. Fertilising resumes, along with pruning and thinning out leaves to refine the bonsai’s shape.
November–December: As winter approaches, it’s time to prepare the bonsai for the cold. Unnecessary leaves can be removed, and wire can be reapplied to refine the shape. Careful attention must also be given to protecting the tree from cold weather.
While these timelines provide a general guide, seasonal variations and yearly fluctuations in temperature require a flexible approach tailored to the climate each year. Maintaining living art demands dedication and a year-round commitment to nurturing the bonsai.
I still vividly remember the summer two years ago when I devoted myself to the care of a black pine bonsai. I diligently learned from bonsai masters, researched online, and even refrained from travelling, staying by the bonsai’s side. Yet, one tragic day, I was unable to water it due to work, and the shallow-potted black pine bonsai withered—a heartbreaking memory that stays with me.
Bonsai, as living art, involves significant effort to mitigate the risk of wilting, all for the fleeting moments in a season when one can admire its beauty. Yet, despite one’s best efforts, bonsai trees can still succumb to various challenges.
On the other hand, with artisanal bonsai like A-BONSAI, once the desired tree shape is crafted, it can be appreciated throughout the year without the demanding care required for living trees. Even those unable to manage the care involved can still enjoy the artistry of bonsai within a pot. That said, I believe it’s no simple task for skilled artisans to create each handcrafted bonsai with a deep awareness of traditional Japanese bonsai techniques and aesthetic principles.
