Fertilising Bonsai Trees - By: lesaurus

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

Personally, I stick to 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 (for new growth)
P: Phosphorus (for flowering)
K: Potassium (Hardens branches, around August)

Chemical Fertilizers: Examples of concentration available

15-30-15: For use at the start of the growing season for trees to flower.
20-20-20: For using 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 end of the autumn period. Why? Brand new shoots will harden off to face the winter.

Amount of fertilizer

Owing to the size of bonsai Always put half the dose suggested on the packet.

When to fertilize

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

Is my tree growing?

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

During the growth period the tree should be fertilised every couple of weeks. While in 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 fertilize by watering straight to the soil or by applying to the leaves.
Never fertilize 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 a second time with fertilizer diluted in water.

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

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

Personally, I stick to 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 (for new growth)
P: Phosphorus (for flowering)
K: Potassium (Hardens branches, around August)