Fertilizing Bonsai

Fertilizing Bonsai Trees

There are really only two types of fertilizer, organic and chemical.

Maybe it's just me but I use only chemical fertilizers, I find it is easier to use (it is easily dissolved in water).

The fertilizer is composed of these three elements.

N: Nitrogen (Promotes new growth)

P: Phosphorus (Promotes flowering)

K: Potassium (develops branches, around August)

Chemical Fertilizers: Examples of concentration available

15-30-15: For using at the beginning of the growing period for trees to flower.

20-20-20: For use at the beginning and during the growth season for trees.

30-10-10: For use at the start and during the growing season for trees with needles.

10-10-30: For use at the finish of the autumn period. Why? Brand new shoots will harden in preparation for the winter.

Amount of fertilizer

Owing to the small size of bonsai try to put half the amount suggested on the packet.

When to fertilize

It really Depends if the tree is growing or not. It also depends on the age of the tree. A young bonsai requires a larger quantity of fertilizer than a more mature bonsai .

How do I know if my tree is growing?

If you see fresh shoots, then the tree is growing. if not, then it is resting.

During the growth period the tree is usually fertilised every couple of weeks. During the resting state it should be fed only once a month if the tree is kept inside. If the tree is kept outside or in a unheated greenhouse in winter, it is given no fertilizer at all.

How to fertilize

You can fertilise by watering directly to the soil or by applying directly to the leaves.Never feed a bonsai tree if the soil is dry. It is recommended to first water with straight, clean water. After 10-20 minutes, you may water again with fertilizer diluted in water.

You can put the fertilizer in a spray bottle because the foliage can absorb the fertilizer, but bear in mind that the effect is more rapid evaporation. It is very important to regularly change the method of application, or the roots may become weakened if we just spray the leaves all the time.

Find more articles and pictures at bonsai pictures

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