Japanese white pine care guide
Pinus parviflora
Also known as: Japanese white pine, Five-needle pine
Pets and children
Caution advised
Pine needles and resin may upset the stomach if eaten, and the sharp needles can injure the mouth; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian or doctor if it is eaten.
How often to water Japanese white pine
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- In a small bonsai pot, water thoroughly when the surface turns pale and dry, about once a day as a guide; it likes to be slightly drier than other pines.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- The soil dries more slowly, so water once the surface is dry, about every day or two as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 4 days
- In winter, water on a mild morning when the soil is dry, about every 3 to 5 days as a guide.
Light and placement for Japanese white pine
Keep it outdoors in full sun all year, on an airy bench as a guide; it weakens if kept indoors for long, and shading the pot from hot afternoon sun in midsummer protects the needles.
Overwintering Japanese white pine
Overwintering guide: −15°C (5°F) or above
A mountain tree that is generally hardy outdoors; a small pot freezes easily, so as a guide place it under the eaves or a bench away from hard frost and cold wind, not in a heated room.
Fertilizing and repotting Japanese white pine
Fertilizer
Place solid organic fertilizer on the pot rim about once a month in April–May and September–October as a guide, with none from the rainy season through midsummer or in winter; go light in spring to keep needles short.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Japanese white pine
- Kept on display indoors, it yellows from lack of sun and moving air.
- Poorly draining soil or overwatering damages the roots and browns the needle tips.
- Drying out in midsummer kills whole branches.
Tips for growing Japanese white pine
- Repot about every two or three years in March or April, before the buds move.
- Pulling off old brown needles in fall lets light reach the inner branches.
- Limit indoor display to a few days, then return it outdoors.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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