An evergreen tree with dense needle-like leaves. Grows in Japan, China and other parts of East Asia. Very popular as a feng shui tree and therefore has a high market price.
The pine tree's foliage produces phytoncides that purify the air of harmful substances.
Location
Indoors, the pine tree does not like dry air, so humidification is necessary. It can be taken outdoors only after frosts. In hot weather and bright sun, it needs shade.
Temperature Regime
Poorly tolerates heat. The best temperature is +16…+20 °C in summer and +10…+15 °C in winter. Abrupt and frequent temperature changes can cause partial leaf drop.
Lighting
If there is not enough light, the leaf plates will become longer and thinner, and the needles on the lower branches will turn yellow. In winter, additional lighting should be at least 6–8 hours a day.
Soil
Well-drained soil (see here) with a pH value of 6–7 is required.
For example a soil with high drainage capacity and breathability: 70% Akadama, 20% Kiryuzuna, 10% Lava.
Watering
In summer, water daily or every other day, with soft water, the rest of the time the soil should be kept moist. If the room temperature is too high, the crown is moistened with a sprayer.
When the color of the leaves changes from bright green to pale gray — there is excess moisture in the soil. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering by 2 times.
Fertilizers
Feed once a month from spring to fall. In winter, once every 1.5 to 2 months.
Fertilizer: Biogold or Hanagokoro (see here).
The tree also benefits from an application of iron chelate once or twice a year.
Repotting
Repot a young plant once a year in spring, an adult plant once every 2 or 3 years. The roots are pruned to half their volume. On the roots there are small tubers that contribute to nitrogen fixation.
Shaping and Pruning
Pruning. During growth, the tree produces shoots with light green foliage. They can be trimmed or pinched to a few new leaves, beforehand letting them elongate by 7-10 cm. This will encourage the formation of side shoots. Old, yellowed leaves should be removed to give the tree a fresh look.
The branches should be wrapped with wire carefully as they can be brittle, especially the old ones.
The crown is formed by pinching the upper parts of the branches. To do this, carefully bend and cut the branch in the right place and treat the cuts with charcoal powder, disinfectant solution or special ointment. The branches of the tree can be guided in the desired direction as long as they remain flexible.
Diseases and Pests
Usually these trees are hardly attacked by pests and diseases. Scale or spider mites may appear if the tree is weakened by improper location (e.g., in a warm, dry and dark room). Leaf drop and root rot can result from overwatering.
