Bonsai pictures – Fertilizing bonsai

Fertilising Bonsai Trees

There are two types of fertilizer, organic and chemical.

Personally, I use only chemical fertilizers, I find it is easier to use (it is 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 using 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

Due to the small 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 juvenile  needs a larger quantity of fertilizer than an older bonsai .

Is my tree growing?

If you notice fresh shoots, then the tree is in a period of growth. if not, then it is in a period of rest.

During the growth periodthe tree is usually given fertilizer every couple of weeks. While in the rest period it should be fed only once a month if the tree is indoors. If the tree is kept outside or in a unheated greenhouse in winter, it is not fed at all.

How to fertilize

It is possible to fertilise by applying straight to the soil or by applying directly to the leaves.

Never feed a bonsai if the soil is dry.

It is recommended to first water with pure water. After 10-15 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 fertiliser will evaporate quicker. It is crucial to regularly change the method of fertilization, or the roots may become weakened if we just spray the leaves all the time.

There are two different types of fertilizer available, organic and chemical.

I use only chemical fertilizers,  I find it is much easier to use (Ca is dissolved in water).

The fertilizer is always made up of these three elements.

N: Nitrogen (helps new growth)

P: Phosphorus (helps flowering)

K: Potassium (helps to harden branches, August)

Chemical Fertilizers: Examples of  the concentration available in premix solutions.

15-30-15: For use at the start of the growing season for trees to flower.

20-20-20: For use at the start and during the growing 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? New shoots will harden to face the winter.

Quantity of fertilizer

Always put half the dose suggested on the container.

When to fertilize

Depends if the tree is in a period of growth or not. It also depends on the age of the tree. A young bonsai needs a larger quantity of fertilizer than an older bonsai .

How do I know if my tree is growing?

If you see new shoots, the tree is in a period of growth. Otherwise, it is in a period of rest.

During the growth period is usually given fertilizer every two weeks. During the rest period this is reduced to once a month if the tree is indoors. If the tree is outdoors or in a cold greenhouse in winter, it is given no fertilizer at all.

How to fertilize

It is possible to fertilise by applying directly to the soil or by applying to foliage.

Never fertilize a bonsai if the substrate is dry.

It is first suggested watering with pure water. After 10-15 minutes, you can sprinkle again with fertilizer diluted in water.

You can put the fertilizer in a spray bottle because the leaves can also absorb the fertilizer, but bear in mind that the effect is more rapid absorption. It is very important to alternate the method of fertilization, or the roots may be weakened if we use the spray method all the time.