One Flush Pine (Pinus) Care Sheet

ONE FLUSH PINE
(Pinus)
PLANT CARE SHEET

 Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your One Flush Pine Tree

One Flush Pines, also known as single flush pines, typically come from mountainous regions and have adapted to short growth periods and severe weather conditions. The most popular types of One Flush Pines are White Pines, Scots Pines, Ponderosa Pines, and Mugo (Mountain) Pines.

PLACEMENT

One Flush Pines thrive in full sunlight and prefer 6+ hours of sun a day. Lack of light will cause elongated needles and branch dieback. Make sure to keep your Pines outdoors year round. They are hardy and tolerant of frost and harsh weather conditions.

 One Flush Pines do best in zones 2 to 7.

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY
One Flush Pines prefer warmer climates and a lot of sunlight. They need humidity, so make sure to water from the top during the hot summer months. While Pines are generally frost-tolerant, the roots can freeze and be damaged by cold winter winds. Once your tree has been re-potted, do not allow the pot to freeze.


WATERING

Pines like to be kept moist but not too wet. Overwatering can cause root rot, so only water when your tree needs it. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Less water is required in colder months. During summer, however, you might need to water twice daily in sunny locations.


SOIL/FERTILIZER

We recommend our Coniferous Bonsai Soil Mix for your One Flush Pines. Pines need minimal fertilizing. Depending on the variety, you may need to fertilize only a few times a year. From early spring to summer, until the candles are cut, use a solid organic fertilizer to feed.


REPOTTING
Depending on the container size and species of Pine, you will want to repot every two to five years for younger trees. More mature trees can go five years without being repotted. Repotting is best done in the spring, just before the buds begin to swell.


PROPAGATION
Seeds are the best way to propagate Pines. They are able to be propagated from cuttings, but it is more difficult to get them to root and grow


PRUNING

Pines can be lightly pruned on a regular basis. They grow vigorously at the top first, so improper pruning will cause your tree to become top heavy and unstable. Routine pruning should be done in the spring or summer. Avoid heavy rootpruning just before winter. Shorten longer candles and remove any old needles. Wait until the fall to prune more heavily. Pines bleed a lot of sap when cut, so seal wounds immediately to prevent disease.

 Please note that removing the candles on a single flush pine will not trigger a second growth. It can potentially kill the entire tree branch!


WIRING

Pines can be wired once per year, sometime between early fall and early spring. In summer, the branches thicken faster and can be damaged by wire. Slower growing, older pines can be wired up to you two years. Just make sure to check on the wire periodically to avoid scarring.


PESTS/DISEASES
Spider mites, aphids, caterpillars, and scale are some of the pests that affect Pines. They're also susceptible to root rot and other fungal infections. Most fungal infections can be treated and prevented with proper watering.

PRODUCTS

Coniferous Bonsai Soil Mix
KIKU™ Aluminum Training Wire
Precision Bonsai Pruning Needle Nose Scissors
Fertilizer Pellets

ABOUT US

   

After years of enjoying the hobby of Bonsai, Superfly Bonsai was born. It started with a single bonsai soil mix, known as Pro Mix, and quickly gained popularity. This led Superfly to add more mixes to meet the needs of different trees, climates, and personal preferences. After merging with Meco Bonsai and KIKU™ Tools, Superfly Bonsai now offers over 1,000 bonsai-related products to both the wholesale and retail market.

One of the best ways to learn about bonsai is to join a local bonsai club. Look for clubs and classes in your area to further your bonsai knowledge!