Bonsai, as one of the traditional arts of our country, is deeply loved by people for its unique charm. In the process of maintaining a bonsai, fertilizing is a crucial step. What kind of fertilizer should be applied to a bonsai? How to fertilize to make the bonsai grow strong? This article will reveal them to you one by one.
What kind of fertilizer should be applied to a bonsai1. Organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer is the first choice for fertilizing a bonsai. It is rich in elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are essential for plant growth. It can also improve soil structure and increase soil fertility. Common organic fertilizers include chicken manure, cow dung, sheep dung, pig manure, etc. When applying organic fertilizer, it is necessary to fully ferment it to avoid burning the roots with raw fertilizer.
2. Inorganic fertilizer
Inorganic fertilizer contains the nutrients required for plant growth and has a quick effect, but long-term use can easily lead to soil compaction. Common inorganic fertilizers include urea, diammonium phosphate, potassium sulfate, etc. When applying inorganic fertilizer, follow the principle of "small amounts multiple times" to avoid overapplication.
3. Compound fertilizer
Compound fertilizer is a type of fertilizer containing multiple nutrients, convenient to use, and has a stable effect. Common compound fertilizers include potassium nitrate, diammonium phosphate, etc. When applying compound fertilizer, do not mix it with organic fertilizer to avoid affecting the fertilizer effect.
Techniques for fertilizing a bonsai1. Fertilizing time
The best time to fertilize a bonsai is in spring and autumn when the plants grow vigorously and have a high demand for nutrients. In the summer, when temperatures are high and plant growth is slow, fertilizing should be reduced appropriately.
2. Fertilizing amount
The amount of fertilizer should be determined based on the size of the bonsai, its growth status, and the fertility of the soil. The fertilizing amount for an adult bonsai is 3-5 times that of a seedling. During fertilizing, follow the principle of "small amounts multiple times" to avoid excessive fertilizing in one application.
3. Fertilizing methods
(1) Foliar fertilizing: Dissolve the fertilizer in water and spray it evenly on the leaves of the bonsai with a sprayer to supplement the trace elements needed by the plant.
(2) Soil fertilizing: Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly on the surface of the bonsai soil and then gently turn it into the soil with a hoe.
(3) Root zone fertilizing: Dissolve the fertilizer in water and apply it directly to the roots of the bonsai using a drip or spray irrigation method.
4. Precautions for fertilizing
(1) Keep the soil moist before and after fertilizing to facilitate fertilizer absorption.
(2) Water the plants promptly after fertilizing to avoid the fertilizer from clumping.
(3) Pay attention to safety during fertilizing to avoid getting fertilizer in your eyes or on your skin.
Understanding what kind of fertilizer to apply to a bonsai and the fertilizing techniques is crucial for maintaining a bonsai. During fertilizing, it is necessary to combine the growth status of the bonsai and the fertility of the soil to reasonably select the type of fertilizer and fertilizing method to make the bonsai grow strong and show its unique artistic charm. It is hoped that this article can provide help for your bonsai maintenance journey.