White Pine that thrives in Tropical Region

[Cheng Cheng Teck]

Hello all

I am new to this forum and Iike to find out more growing white pine in countries without cold winter. I am living in the hot tropical region. Lately I bought 2 Japanese White Pines, and only to learn about their need for winter dormancy requirements after that. I truly like short needle white pine, and am disappointed that these 2 plants cannot last long in my country. It has been 4 months and one of them is slowly turning brown, despite my great care to ensure proper watering, and giving sufficient sunshine without excessive sun burns. I even gave them ice water to simulate the cold temperature they need. While doing my best to prolong their lifespan, I started to look for alternative short needle white pine that can thrive better in my country.

This is when i learn about species Pinus Kwangtungensis, originated in South China region Kwangtung, (modern name is Guangzhou province) . I was told from the material i read that this species looks almost identical to Japanese Five Needle White Pine, with same short needle, but more blue color look.
I know Guangzhou does not have cold winter, it is sub tropical. Hence I suspect this short needle whitepine variety may thrive in tropical region without winter dormancy. I have been asking around for this variety, but no one can tell me more about it.

I ilke to know if you have experience with this variety, Pinus Kwangtungensis, and to understand more about growing short needle white pine in tropical region. Thank you

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Greetings and Welcome to Bonsai Nut!

This is really a very good question.

Pinus fenzeliana, sometimes commonly called Kwangtung pine, is a high altitude pine found at elevations between about 1500-2500 m. This Pine is rated to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-7. There are several varieties.

It is lovely. Regretfully this pine will not do well in tropical areas. Actually it’s sold in the US for colder areas.

Also, to help us provide great advice to you in the future, could you please enter your approximate location and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. To do this, double tap your icon atop the page. Then Account Details - scroll down and enter these data and save. The information will appear on your icon in conversations from then on so we can use this data to help provide advice.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Cheng Cheng Teck]

Greetings and Welcome to Bonsai Nut!

This is really a very good question.

Pinus fenzeliana, sometimes commonly called Kwangtung pine, is a high altitude pine found at elevations between about 1500-2500 m. This Pine is rated to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-7. There are several varieties.

It is lovely. Regretfully this pine will not do well in tropical areas. Actually it’s sold in the US for colder areas.

Also, to help us provide great advice to you in the future, could you please enter your approximate location and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. To do this, double tap your icon atop the page. Then Account Details - scroll down and enter these data and save. The information will appear on your icon in conversations from then on so we can use this data to help provide advice

Thanks DSD for sharing. I am from Singapore, right next to the equator. I should skip keeping Kwangtung pine too.

 

[PA_Penjing]

Welcome to the site, heat and humidity is a tough one in terms of the pine genus. Famously Japanese black pine can handle it, actually a few of their conifers can, like abies firma and hinoki cypress. The vast majority of any pine I look up seem to struggle in hot climates, especially with higher humidity (I'm assuming that's your situation but could be wrong). I could happily list a few pine species that will do okay but none of them are five needle/white pines. Obviously there could be a species I'm unaware of that would work, but I believe the chances are probably slim

 

[Melospiza]

Sub-tropical regions also have cool to cold winters with temp differences and daylength variation between summer and winter. Tropics don't have it, and the yearly cycle has to do with rainfall usually. Why not another needle-leaf plant like podocarpus?

 

[Cheng Cheng Teck]

Welcome to the site, heat and humidity is a tough one in terms of the pine genus. Famously Japanese black pine can handle it, actually a few of their conifers can, like abies firma and hinoki cypress. The vast majority of any pine I look up seem to struggle in hot climates, especially with higher humidity (I'm assuming that's your situation but could be wrong). I could happily list a few pine species that will do okay but none of them are five needle/white pines. Obviously there could be a species I'm unaware of that would work, but I believe the chances are probably slim

Thanks PA_Penjing, I have 2 Japanese black pine and this variety is thriving well in Singapore where i am in. I like the white pine for their shorter needle and their look. Too bad white pine cannot cope with the climate here. Happy to hear more from you on any other pines that can take the tropical heat and humidity.

 

[Cheng Cheng Teck]

Sub-tropical regions also have cool to cold winters with temp differences and daylength variation between summer and winter. Tropics don't have it, and the yearly cycle has to do with rainfall usually. Why not another needle-leaf plant like podocarpus?

Thanks Melospiza. Yes Podocarpus is popular here. I was still exploring white pine because i did hear of some successful cases where the plant apparantly survive the tropical heat... (though i hear more failures cases as a whole). Am not sure what they did to make it work. i was hoping it is due to a variety that suits our climate.

 

[Cheng Cheng Teck]

Just to add on. i saw people develop "tiny bonsai" using 5 needle white pine in Malaysia, which has same climate like where i am in. Those plants are really young looking and i thought they might have been started from seeds. Was wondering if such white pine can be climatized somehow and thrive in tropics ? They were 1 yr old + according to the grower. There is no info from the grower whether he has 5 needle white pines that grow to a much older age.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

The best way to get an out of zone tree acclimatized, it start with a very young plant.

My friends in Houston tell of folks bringing in aged azaleas into town to grow …only to watch them slowly die. However if young plants are brought in most of these do fine with proper protection.

Might be a good idea to chat with the grower and see what they have learned…. What they are doing to address the chilling hour issue. Also if they have obtained a particular variety.

Cheers
DSD sends