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Fertilizing a Bonsai Tree

Bonsai Fertilizer

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What are mineral or salt-based fertilizers and how do you use them with bonsai? Eric introduces three different options, explains ...

What are mineral or salt-based fertilizers and how do you use them with bonsai? Eric introduces three different options, explains how to apply them, and offers good advice (plus a blooper at the very end of the video!)

00:00:31 Mineral (also called salt-based) fertilizers are created from mined and refined minerals.

00:01:21 First up - Dyna-Gro! This is a local to the San Francisco Bay Area company. Mineral fertilizers can cause margin burn in sensitive species, and Dyna-Gro claims to be more gentle because it doesn't contain urea. We're big fans and carry Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro in our shop: https://www.bonsaify.com/products/dyna-gro

00:02:51 Reminder: always follow the dilution instructions!

00:03:32 Eric offers advice for application for seedlings and younger plants.

00:04:50 Second option - Miracle-Gro, comes in solid crystalline form. It's bright blue color allows you to know you've added it to your water. It's basically a concentrated fertilizer. *We found this offer on the Miracle-Gro website (not an affiliate link) 30% off your MiracleGro.com purchase of $99+. Code: SPRING30 through March 23, 2022.

00:06:56 Eric recommends that you use a TDS meter to check the dilution of your salt-based fertilizers. TDS = total dissolved solids. The meter measures the electrical conductivity of your solution of fertilizer in water. The more salt, the more electrical conductivity. It measures in parts per million.

00:08:02 Third is Osmacote, a granular form coated with a polymer. Eric uses this as a back-up fertilizer "set it and forget it" type of solution because the fertilizer slowly releases through regular watering. Link to the bottle Eric demos with in the video: https://amzn.to/3u6zSHY

00:10:45 Reminder: bonsai soil doesn't act like standard potting soil, and the nutrients may wash out more quickly. Eric recommends watering at a lower dilution, more frequently.

What experiences have you had with mineral fertilizer? Let us know in the comments below. Thank you for watching - please like and share the video, and subscribe to our Bonsaify channel!

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Bonsaify | How to Safely Use Mineral Fertilizers with Bonsai Trees

Bonsaify March 18, 2022 3:20 pm

Bonsai fertilizer is an essential component of bonsai care, as it helps to provide the nutrients that the tree needs to thrive. Just like any other plant, bonsai trees require a balance of nutrients in order to grow and remain healthy. Without proper fertilization, bonsai trees may become stunted, develop yellowing leaves, or experience other signs of nutrient deficiency.

There are several different types of bonsai fertilizers available, each with its own unique set of nutrients and application instructions. Some common types of bonsai fertilizers include organic fertilizers, chemical fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources such as animal manure, bone meal, and blood meal. These fertilizers are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers, and they can help to improve the soil structure and promote healthy root growth. However, organic fertilizers may not provide as many nutrients as chemical fertilizers, and they may need to be applied more frequently.

Chemical fertilizers are synthetic fertilizers that are formulated to provide a specific balance of nutrients. These fertilizers are often more concentrated and faster-acting than organic fertilizers, and they can be an effective option for bonsai trees that are experiencing nutrient deficiencies. However, chemical fertilizers can also have negative impacts on the environment if they are not used properly, and they may need to be applied more frequently in order to provide adequate nutrition for the tree.

Slow-release fertilizers are a type of fertilizer that releases nutrients over an extended period of time, rather than all at once. These fertilizers are typically applied less frequently than other types of fertilizers, and they can be a convenient option for bonsai growers who do not have time to fertilize their trees on a regular basis. Slow-release fertilizers may be organic or chemical, and they can be an effective option for providing a consistent supply of nutrients to the tree.

In addition to the type of fertilizer, it is also important to consider the timing and frequency of fertilization. Bonsai trees typically require more frequent fertilization than larger trees, as they are growing in a smaller container and may not have access to as many nutrients. The specific fertilization schedule will depend on the type of bonsai tree, the type of fertilizer being used, and the growing conditions. It is generally recommended to fertilize bonsai trees every two to four weeks during the growing season, and to reduce the frequency of fertilization during the winter months.

Overall, bonsai fertilizers are an essential component of bonsai care, and they can help to ensure that the tree receives the nutrients it needs to thrive. By carefully selecting the right type of fertilizer and following the appropriate fertilization schedule, bonsai growers can help to promote healthy growth and beautiful, well-balanced bonsai trees.

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