Page 81 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Fertilizing

As Bonsai trees are generally placed in small pots regular fertilization is
required in order to replenish nutrients that are essential to the tree.
Using a special ‘Bonsai fertilizer’ can be convenient, but any fertilizer will

do (be careful not to use too much though). Follow the instructions as
stated on the fertilizer’s packaging regarding quantity and timing.

Basic file parts of fertilizer

The three basic elements of any fertilizer are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous
(P) and Potassium (K), with each element serving different purposes.
Nitrogen increases growth of leaves and stems, Phosphorus encourages
healthy root growth and Potassium encourages growth of fruits and
flowers. Different ratios of NPK are being used for different trees at

different times of year, which is very important to take into account when
fertilizing Bonsai.

When?

Fertilize during the entire growth season of the tree; from early spring till
mid autumn. Indoor trees can be fertilized around the year. Although
sometimes disputed, do not fertilize repotted trees for about a month;
also do not fertilize sick trees.

Which fertilizer to choose?

It is very important to choose the right fertilizer for your Bonsai plants:
during the early spring time use a fertilizer with a relatively high Nitrogen
content (something like NPK 12:6:6) to boost the tree’s growth. During

the summer use a more balanced fertilizer, while during the autumn use
a fertilizer to harden off the tree for the coming winter (like NPK 3:10:10).
The mentioned NPK values are ratios, meaning 5:5:5 is in fact no
different from 10:10:10 etc.

A few exceptions are worth pointing out: to encourage Bonsai to flower
use a fertilizer with a high Potassium (K) content (like NPK 6:6:12) and
for older trees you might want to use fertilizer with a slightly lower
Nitrogen (N) content or reduce the quantity of fertilizer applied.

Although “Bonsai fertilizer” is fertilizer like any other, buying from (online)