Ponderosa Pines

Yandrosxx

OK, I'm finding this a bit frustrating. Despite the interest in Ponderosa Pine as a good candidate for American Bonsai, there doesn't seem to be much out there to explain how to train them.

Can anyone offer some thoughts on how best to encourage backbudding, smaller needles etc. A "timeline" on when to do certain things, like needle plucking/cutting, candle pruning, etc.

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rlist

I saw this the other day and hoped an "expert" would chime in. But, alas, you are stuck with me. I have been working with ponderosa for two years, so I am no expert. That said, I tend to treat them similar to a weak JBP - meaning I treat them the same, but don't push them hard (unless they ask me too). Same soil, fert & water schedule, candle pinching, shoot pruning, needle thinning, etc. I have found them to respond well, but a little less vigorously.

I would read a copy of Walter's The Care & Training of Ponderosa Pine Bonsai - International Bonsai 2003/No 4. I have also read articles in the ABS journal, which were focused on freshly collected trees, but I don't have those handy and can't tell you more.

Good luck!

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