Pino Caribeño, Caribbean Pine, Pinus Caribaea

Hello everyone,

I was wondering...how can I make a Caribbean Pine throw new shoots lower down its trunk? I purchased a specimen but it has a long trunk line and growth only at the top. I want it to throw stems lower down.

I´ll take some pictures this weekend and post here for you all to see.

I don't know your variety of Pine, but Pines in general are NOT known for backbudding.

Pinus caribaea is very similar to our Dade County slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa), which unfortunately aren't the best pines for bonsai because of their very long needles. You have to develop the branching while the pine is young by constant reduction. The only way to develop branching in the lower trunk area is by cutting most or the entire top off and hoping it branches back in several areas. However I do not suggest that you do that and try to work with what you have. You may be able to graft branches where you want them but those are very advanced techniques especially when it comes to pines. Please post a picture so that we may get a better idea of what you are talking about. Thanks