Page 35 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q1

It is also necessary to take into account that when the
black pine is cultivated in low-lying areas without ad-
equate air circulation, it suffers and tends to develop
parasites. The cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) is the
parasite that most sets in and colonizes this species.
Applying Tambaho, “short leaf method”

To develop dense vegetation and short needles in
black pine, a Japanese conifer pruning technique,
called Tambaho, is used. It is necessary to eliminate
the candles in June to encourage new buds in July.
Tambaho means short leaf method and entails two
pruning processes; Maykiri, the act of cutting the
original candle or shoot, suitable for trees of great
vigor; and Maykaki, removing excess shoots after
decandling. After the candles are cut, five shoots
emerge, but you leave only the two best ones. In Octo-
ber, you can remove the old needles. In the following
year, you will notice new buds forming on branches
previously devoid of vegetation. Tambaho favors the
emergence of new buds, but at the same time will
also support the reduction of the needles of the new
buds. The new buds, being less vigorous than those
that would otherwise have grown if the candles were
not removed, will produce shorter needles.
This process puts the plant under considerable stress
and must therefore be applied only if necessary and
a minimum of two to three years from one interven-
tion to the next.
This technique is applied in Japan in the months
previously mentioned. In other countries, take into
account the climatic conditions there and adapt the
timing of the intervention to the place where your
black pine lives.
After care

Fundamental for the reduction of the needle and
the health of the tree is also the horticultural care it
receives: soil, fertilizing and watering. The soil mix
must be very porous and free draining to allow com-
plete drying of the pot. Although the soil mix is poor
in nutrients, the fertilizer will provide these. The fer-
tilizer should be a weak solution and not very rich in
macro elements (NPK) for this species is undemand-
ing and frugal. Use a balanced fertilizer (NPK) in
slow release pellets in the right dose and apply twice
a year in spring and at the end of summer. Water ac-
cording to the season but during the day when the
drying is slower and increases the time available for
the tree to replenish its water reserves. It is essential to
water only when the soil mix is completely dry since
this species can tolerate periods of drought well, espe-
cially in summer. Excessive fertilizing and watering Top; Example of starter material available in Italy.
inevitably favor the lengthening of the needles and Bottom; Same tree after wiring the branches and applying the Tambaho procedure where the
root rot. candles have been heavily pruned.

January/February/March 2014 | BCI | 33