每日吃瓜

Hey guys,

I need help on what I should be doing to promote more growth on this Japanese Black Pine. I grew it as a seedling and it's now about 2 1/4 years hold, I must admit that I didn't really know what I was doing when I started my bonsai journey and must say it's rather small. I think the first season I didn't really make it go through a dormancy period as it was still a very tiny seedling with no bark developped. My current pot feels too big and the particular size is very mixed, the center of the pot has soil that it too small and compact. I did go throuh what I think is its first dormancy this past winter, it gets pretty cold in Canada where I'm at (Zone 4b, 5a) so I didn't let them go outside too much, I left it in my fridge so it can stay cool and let it outside on these warmer days of winter.

Should I pot them in a pond basket to get more aeration to the roots?

I really appreciate your input.

Growth is promoted by larger pots and organic soil. But first of all by the correct environment.

Your pot and soil is ok for this small seedling to grow. However your environment may be a problem. Growing indoors and keeping it in the fridge will not help the tree.

You really need to grow this species outdoors at all times. In the mid winter, during the worst cold spells, make sure it is covered in snow. At least 50cm.

Yes you are on the limit of this species hardiness zone, but I see no other option.