Seedling Japanese Black Pine

[Pyration]

I grew this tree from a seed packet that said it was a Japanese Black Pine I got for a christmas present in May of 2009. The directions said to put three seeds in and all three are doing what I guess is pretty good. All three just grew about a centimeter. I have no idea what is in the soil that it came with. It's kept near a window that does not open(caulked shut by previous owner). It is by far the sunniest window I could find so it gets sun in the summer from eleven or noon till about seven or eight. I am not quite sure what the next step is for my tree(s)? Am I to bind the three stems together to combine it into one tree(I wouldn't think anytime soon as they are only about three months old)? Basically, I need the next steps for it please so I can be ready for when it needs the next step(but that probably won't be for a bit I think). I was reading up on care on this website and a couple others. I realized I had been watering it too much. That problem has since been fixed but I couln't find much on what exactly to do next if anyone would please like to help me out? Also I read that pines are outdoor trees, could anyone inform me as to what a good indoor tree would be please? Thank you very much.

PS: The pictures aren't so great mostly because my camera is on the fritz and my cellphone only has a 3.2 Megapixel camera but it's currently all I have access too. Sorry.

[img]https://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy259/pyration/IMG00367-20090725-1540.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy259/pyration/IMG00366-20090725-1540.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy259/pyration/IMG00365-20090725-1540.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy259/pyration/IMG00364-20090725-1539.jpg[/img]

[Gnome]

Pyration,

Yes, JBP are definitely a species that should be outside. Your seedlings look rather weak and leggy to me. If you have the ability and are willing to do so find a spot outside that gets some sun, preferably in the morning, and some shade, or better yet filtered sun for the whole day, and get them outside. Later, if they transition well move them gradually to a sunnier location.

Don't bind them together, I have seen this technique practiced on some species but not Pines. Even if it is possible they are far too young now, I suspect. Pines are a difficult subject to grow from seed, not difficult to start but difficult to make into a credible bonsai. It will take the better part of a decade to produce even a decent medium sized bonsai. Even with the time, Pines require much more planning and forethought than most deciduous or tropical species.

If you intend to concentrate on indoor bonsai look to tropicals like Ficus or Schefflera, there are others of course but I am not the best person to recommend them as I don't do a lot indoors yet.

Here is a good site for information on indoor culture.
https://www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html

Norm

[Pyration]

Ok. Thank you. I am able to either have it outside in the morning from about 6am to noon or 2pm to 7pm but I am leery about putting it outside. The last plant I put outside was demolished by squirrels(my poor poor dahlia). If it survives my poor attempts to keep it alive, how long should it be kept in the small pot it came in before I transplant it into a different pot? I will take a look at that website for something I might be able to better take care of. Thank you very much for the knowledge.