To grow, a Bonsai needs water, carbon dioxide and sunlight to photosynthesize and grow.
Fertilizer in that sense is not plant food.
It only aids in a better, stronger and more controlled growth.
The topic of fertilizing Bonsai can get quite complex, as there are many types of fertilizer
and we can apply them differently in the various growth stages of Bonsai.
Luckily however, the basics of fertilizing are quite simple.
Broadly speaking there's organic and inorganic fertilizer.
For Bonsai we recommend to use an organic fertilizer
as these are easier to apply and a bit more gentle.
Most bonsai growers use a mild, slow releasing, and organic fertilizer
like Abrakas or Biogold.
This is also what I use on my trees.
The pellets are easy to apply in the soil
and release nutrients when you water your trees.
For indoor bonsai, it is easier to use a liquid fertilizer
while watering your bonsai trees.
You can purchase a liquid indoor plant fertilizer
or put some Biogold pellets in water for 24 hours
and then apply this when watering your bonsai.
There are three basic elements in any fertilizer:
Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK.)
Nitrogen increases the growth of the leaves and stems, and growth above ground.
Phosphorus contributes to healthy root growth and the growth of fruits and flowers.
Potassium enhances overall plant health.
As an example, Biogold is considered to be a balanced fertilizer
and has an NPK of 6-7-4.
We usually apply fertilizer from the moment the trees start to grow in spring
until early fall.
Indoor Bonsai however are fertilized all year.
For trees still in development, our goal is strong and healthy growth.
This means we also apply a bit more fertilizer
or apply it a bit more frequently.
You can also choose a different fertilizer, one with more Nitrogen.
Most bonsai growers however use the same fertilizer
t apply more pellets to trees that need stronger growth.
For trees in refinement, our goal is healthy growth with fine ramification.
This means we apply less fertilizer
and start application a bit later in the season.
But we never stop providing our bonsai with fertilizer entirely.
The fertilizer pellets can be placed on the soil in fertilizer covers
or you can push them into the soil.
Make sure to check the guidelines as stated on your fertilizer product
and follow the guidelines in terms of quantity to apply.
Most organic fertilizers are applied every 6 to 8 weeks.
Learn how to create your own bonsai trees
by enrolling in one of our online Bonsai courses.
We explain techniques like pruning, wiring, and repotting
and you can ask questions to the teachers.
For the curriculums, and free lessons go to: www.bonsaiempire.com/courses