Whimsical

OK, time for my next question. I live in zone 9 central Florida along the east coast. This severely limits my ability to work with true pines as bonsai(atleast to my knowledge). Some say that jap black pines will grow here, but Gary Fu of the Penjing Gardens says he has tried numerous times without success. The heat just cooks the roots in the summer.

I know of a short leafed pine named sand pine that grows here natively. Its very finicky to collect cause they grow almost completely in pure sand. But, I have managed to do a few from some smaller trees(something Gary hasn't even been able to do). They are a 2 needle pine and they are kind of sparse, but still within the realms of bonsai. I happen to know where a couple witch's brooms are located at. Can anyone tell me a sure-fire detailed approach to rooting pines?
Like what mediums to use, moisture level, estimated time, time of year to collect, largest size of branch to use. I have never had much luck rooting narrow-leaf evergreens, due to lack of proper information.

Thanks for any insights.

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