How often should I fertilize my bonsai tree?

Bonsai soil is designed to drain water away quickly, carrying with it the vital nutrients your Bonsai tree needs. So fertilizing your Bonsai tree is important and should be done regularly during the growing season. Every two weeks is a good rule of thumb.

What is the difference between liquid and granular (pelletized) fertilizers?

Liquid fertilizer is quick acting and easy to use; just add it to your watering can when you water. But it also dissipates quicker than granular fertilizers do by leaching out with the water. Granular fertilizers are usually just pushed into the soil surface of your plant and dissolve as you water normally. They're easy to use but can be unsightly and some smell a little funky.

What does it mean when it says a fertilizer is organic?

Fertilizers are made two ways: organically and synthetically. Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources - everything from fish to chicken poop is used. Synthetic fertilizers are formulated chemically. Which one is better is a matter of debate, but the bottom line is your tree can't tell the difference between the two, and won't care.

What is the difference between a fertilizer and a Vitamin?

Fertilizers provide nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (among other things) that promote the vigorous growth and health of your Bonsai tree. Vitamins on the other hand, are formulated to enhance the condition of the soil, stimulate the root system and encourage macrobiotic growth. It’s a little like giving your Bonsai a multivitamin to supplement your tree’s normal diet of fertilizer. Vitamins also help your tree fight off diseases and allows them to better handle pruning and repotting.

What does a fertilizer’s NPK ratio mean?

Fertilizers are assigned three numbers that represent the proportion of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, in that order. A 3-1-2 fertilizer would be 3% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphorus and 2% Potassium (leaving 94% of inert ingredients.) A 5-5-5 fertilizer would have the same proportion of all three and is called a balanced fertilizer.

Remember the numbers this way: Up, down and all around. Up = Nitrogen that promotes foliage growth. Down = Phosphorus that promotes healthy roots and All around = Potassium that benefits the whole plant.

Can I use the fertilizer and vitamins together?

Yep, just mix them in the same amount of water you normally would and they can be used side by side.

How long will fertilizer or vitamins that I have mixed in a jug stay good?

You can mix up your fertilizer in advance and keep it in a cool place out of the sun and it should be good for a few weeks. After that the nutrients begin to break down. Make sure you shake the container well before using.

Do I need to fertilize in the winter?

Yes indeed. Although your tree will be dormant and additional nitrogen isn’t needed, the rest of the plant will benefit plenty from a no-nitrogen fertilizer. Your bonsai will stay happy and healthy during the dormant months and more vigorous in the Spring.