Fall Fertilizing: Nitrogen

Fish seaweed is mild and well-balanced for fall fertilizing. Reduced nitrogen Horticulturists, bonsai teachers and others have long been advising people to reduce nitrogen fertilizing in late summer and fall. The keyword is “reduce.” Some nitrogen is necessary when you fertilize otherwise the phosphorous, potassium and other nutrients can’t do their job properly. Fall growing season in mild climates Here’s what Michael Hagedorn of Crataegus Bonsai has to say about nitrogen and the fall growing season: “We might also begin thinking about fall fertilizing. I think fall fertilizing is more important for bonsai, particularly developed ones, than spring fertilizing. In … Continue reading Fall Fertilizing: Nitrogen

Green Workshop: Fertilizing #3 – A Plan We Like

This healthy looking, well-fed Green Island Ficus (Ficus microcarpa ‘Green Island’), by Alan Kieffer, originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 74, in an article by Mary Miller. A fertilizing program we like The following program is one that I like. Feel free to adjust, elaborate, or simplify according to you needs and preferences. Start with pellets in the very late winter Apply about one third the recommended dosage* of Green Dream or other pellet or chunky natural fertilizer in the very late winter (just before the buds begin to swell).

Green Workshop: Feed Your Bonsai – part 2 – NPK

This well fed, healthy Lace leaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum dissectum) is from our Pocket Bonsai Gallery. It originally appeared on the cover of Bonsai Today# 84. N-P-K (Macro nutrients) You will see three numbers on all fertilizer packages—for example 7-9-5 or 15-30-15. These numbers represent the strength and ratios of the three major nutrients (also called macro nutrients) in fertilizers. The three nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium or potash (K). They are critical to any plant’s health. Here’s a more complete explanation.

Green Workshop: Feed Your Bonsai! – Pellets

Your bonsai may never look like this, but they can be this healthy. This magnificently robust Willow leaf ficus (Ficus nerifolia) is by Jim Smith of Dura-Stone in Vero Beach Florida. The photo is from Bonsai Today, issue 61 and was taken by Jim. Your bonsai depend on you Bonsai do not survive on water, light, and love alone. Because most bonsai soil has very low nutritive value (if any), your bonsai depends on you for feeding.

Dealing with Stress: Fertilizing & Watering

Almost forgot to mention what Mr. Onishi said about fertilizing his stressed pine (see previous two posts). “After a year of rest in which I didn’t pinch or prune, but during which I gradually gave it higher doses of fertilizer…” That’s it. Not too much to go on, so I’ll try to flesh it out. Most bonsai books and teachers say to avoid fertilizing stressed trees until they show signs of recovery. This is pretty good advice, but still leaves a lot to the imagination. Mostly, I use mild, slow release organic pellets. With ordinary stress (like from rootpruning), I … Continue reading Dealing with Stress: Fertilizing & Watering