Japanese black pine

Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii 'Pygmaea') should be watered twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. In summer, water the soil thoroughly until water comes out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. In winter, water enough to moisten the soil slightly but do not allow it to become waterlogged. Before watering, check the moisture of the soil. If the top few inches is dry, it is ready to be watered.

Japanese black pine needs full sun all year long. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, with the sun preferably being in the morning and mid-day. During the cooler times of year, it is beneficial to give the pine extra sun, with 8-10 hours a day being ideal. During the hotter months of summer, it varieties that are grown in warmer climates may benefit from partial shade and protection from severe heat.

Japanese black pines should be pruned from Autumn to late Winter (November to February). Generally, it is best to prune branches 1 at a time, choosing which branches to keep and remove. Always leave some healthy branches with strong tips, as well as some old branches that are well-positioned. The branches to remove should be the weak and spindly ones. Try to keep the branch structure balanced and allow some light to penetrate the canopy of branches. A light pruning yearly should be enough for a healthy pine. However, if desired, a more vigorous pruning can be performed every 3-5 years.