Miniature trees have a long tradition in Asia and are becoming increasingly popular in our homeland. However, growing in cramped bowls requires a lot of maintenance. Nutrient supply is an important aspect.
How much fertilizer a bonsai needs depends on the plant
time
Basically, you should fertilize your bonsai when repotting. This is followed by a four-week fertilization break so that the roots grow well. In the room, evergreen miniature trees are popular, which are supplied with nutrients all year round. If the plants take a break, there is no need for fertilizers.
How often you should fertilize depends on the product you choose and the needs of the species. In general, the artistic little trees require a nutrient supply every two to four weeks. Fast-growing shrubs such as privet attach importance to weekly fertilization.
Important differences:
- Indoor bonsai are fertilized regularly from spring to summer and less frequently in winter
- Garden bonsai get extra nutrients between spring and fall
- if the plants are sick, there is no need to fertilize them to protect them from pests
mineral fertilizers
In principle, you can use any NPK fertilizer that offers the right ratio of nutrients. The required levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium depend on the vegetative stage of the bonsai. Such complete fertilizers are available in liquid or solid form.
requirements throughout the year
In the spring, the trees invest their energy in developing leaves. They are well supplied with a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer (NPK 12:6:6). During the summer months you can either use a balanced ratio (NPK 10:10:10) or support flowering with a high proportion of potassium (NPK 6:6:12). In autumn, the crops prepare for hibernation, so the nitrogen content should be low (NPK 3:10:10).
Organic Fertilizers
Biodegradable fertilizers leave a smaller ecological footprint than mineral products. As a liquid solution, they quickly supply the trees with nutrients. Due to the more difficult dosing, it can easily lead to over-fertilization. Solid products release their active ingredients slowly and over a longer period of time. Compost is not suitable because the material has to be worked into the substrate surface.
method
You can provide your artificial tree with solid small chunks that will dissolve evenly over the next few weeks through regular watering. These are placed in small plastic baskets, which are placed upside down on the substrate. Several spikes anchor the basket in the ground.
Liquid fertilizer is mixed with the irrigation water and administered at regular intervals. It is better to fertilize the trees in smaller doses to avoid over-fertilization. If the plant gets too many nutrients, there is a risk of leaf shedding and, in the worst case, the bonsai will die.
tips
When repotting, add 20 grams of horn shavings (€32.93) to one square meter of soil as basic fertilization. For small bonsai pots, this corresponds to the amount of a teaspoon.