Bonsai Fertilizer – What Should It Contain?

The Importance of Using Bonsai Fertilizer

Bonsai fertilizer can boost your bonsai’s nutrient levels and is necessary for photosynthesis and growth to take place. Since bonsai trees are miniature versions of their full-sized counterparts, its nutrient requirements will be the same, but the dosage amounts will be smaller.

In addition, drainage and aeration are different for trees growing in containers than when they are growing in the earth. Bonsai soils usually are not native and are inert, so they lack adequate amounts of major, minor and trace elements. Adding forms of organic fertilizer that contain marine or animal by-products may supply these minerals; also adding a small dose of clean native soil without a large trace of organic material or ordinary tap water are usually sufficient.

The best fertilizer should provide your bonsai tree with three basic nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium or NPK. Your little tree will also benefit if you can find a fertilizer that contains iron and a B-vitamin complex, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, nickel and cobalt. All of these ingredients will be listed directly on the label of the fertilizer package. Also, look for a fertilizer that has an even combination percentage, such as 20-20-20.

When You Should Fertilize Your Bonsai

Generally, all bonsai can be fed every four months with a 20-20-20 soluble fertilizer at full strength every other week from the spring at the first sign of new growth until late fall when the daytime temperatures only reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the frequency of fertilization may vary depending on the type of Bonsai tree you are growing.

How Plants Acquire Fertilizer

The primary method of bonsai fertilizer absorptionis through the roots. The main types of store-bought fertilizer come in pellet/granule or liquid form. Whether fertilizer salts come in liquid or are dissolved in water first or spread in the soil in solid form and then watered, they all end up in the soil solution and are absorbed by the roots.

The best nutrient products are formulated to perform in many different settings at full recommended strength and are chelated; this means they are immediately available for absorption and can be given in smaller doses. This is beneficial to all of the stages of a bonsai’s growth. There is no danger of ‘burning the tree’s roots’ even when introducing fertilizer to newly formed roots after a cutting.

Using Bonsai Fertilizer When Transplanting Bonsai Trees

It is important to maximize all nutritional elements of good growth as quickly as possible when transplanting bonsai without causing it more stress than necessary. This includes allowing the plant to slightly dry before watering, regular fertilizing, keeping the soil warm and aerated and introducing the plant to increased levels of light as soon as it can tolerate it.

Some people don’t fertilize their bonsai enough or fertilize their bonsai trees only at half strength. Others fertilize their bonsai much too often. The key thing to remember when fertilizing bonsai is to do so according to the directions, the species, the season, and the temperature; as well as when there are signs of chlorosis(leaves begin to turn yellow or white) and when transplanting your bonsai in moderation. Do not use more or less than the recommended amount, or more or less often than listed on the label! The standard nursery practice for adding soluble fertilizers is once every two weeks.

A beneficial approach to fertilizing bonsai is to mix or alternate various types of fertilizer for Bonsai from time to time to keep it healthy. Healthy foliage will exhibit a dark green vibrant colour and is key when determining a bonsai tree’s nutritional needs.

Learning the elements of design, the various styles and the exact timing of when to prune the tops and roots of bonsai trees takes years to master. Although this ancient artistic method of gardening can prove to be very challenging, yet it can be a very rewarding experience once you see all of your hard work pay off!