tanlu
Shohin
I collected this Pitch Pine clump from a high rock face in mid August, and by myself!! It had a compact root ball, with only several long roots and a 2" thick tap root that anchored it in the rock crevice. I pruned it in mid June to ease the process of collection, but the thing was still much bigger and heavier than I had anticipated. It was hell carrying this thing all the way down the mountain myself. When I finally got it home I underestimated the size of the root ball in comparison to my largest pot, so I had to gnaw off as much of the monster tap root as possible. I also removed a bit more of the long roots I wanted to save after realizing most of the fine roots were in the mountain soil I had saved. I removed about 40% of the original soil (decomposed needles and leaf litter), placed it in the pot with turface and made sure to secure it as best I could. I'm beginning to think that securing the plant in the pot is perhaps the most important step in repotting. I placed it in dappled shade for 3 weeks and fed it superthrive (not sure what it really does) every watering.
I still think the pot is way too small for the tree, but it has survived, and a month later is showing clear signs of growth! The needles are a vibrant green and there are buds springing everywhere.
It seems the overcast rainy weather has helped it adjust nicely. I moved it into full sun today.
I made sure to study all I could about the species, and contacted several bonsaiists experienced in collecting Pitch Pine. My hunch that they could be easily collected in late summer was confirmed.
In terms of styling, which will obviously have to wait till late fall/winter of 2012, all I can think of is compacting the foliage and increasing the spaces between the central trunks.
As always, constructive comments are welcome.
I still think the pot is way too small for the tree, but it has survived, and a month later is showing clear signs of growth! The needles are a vibrant green and there are buds springing everywhere.
It seems the overcast rainy weather has helped it adjust nicely. I moved it into full sun today.
I made sure to study all I could about the species, and contacted several bonsaiists experienced in collecting Pitch Pine. My hunch that they could be easily collected in late summer was confirmed.
In terms of styling, which will obviously have to wait till late fall/winter of 2012, all I can think of is compacting the foliage and increasing the spaces between the central trunks.
As always, constructive comments are welcome.
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