Bonsai Tree Fertilizer

Fertilizers come in tablets, pills, powders, cakes, granules etc. There are synthetic fertilizers and organic ones. One of the most popular is water soluble fertilizer.

A common bonsai myth is to use fertilizer half strength, because it is a little tree.

Not true ... and do not give your bonsai extra fertilizer either.

Unless you have more specific instructions for your tree, use an even numbered, common house plant formula such as 20-20-20 or 14-14-14, and follow the instructions on the container.

These numbers are more important than the brand name.

Most brands have several different formulas. So when someone tells you to use 'X' brand, that is not enough information.

(Soil should be moist before using liquid products).

Time Release

Because container plants are watered frequently and soluble fertilizers leach quickly, many growers use slow-release (often called time-release) pellets or prills. These can be mixed in the growing medium to prevent them from bouncing off the top of the soil.

Another good reason for mixing these “little balls” in the soil is, a crust often forms as they dissolve. This crust can disturb the effectiveness of your watering.

If you choose to sprinkle this type of fertilizer on top of the potting medium, be sure to disturb the top of the soil mix from time to time with a chop stick.

Whichever type of fertilizer you use, feeding is an important part of bonsai care.

If you suspect your tree is sick, fertilizer probably won’t fix it. Look for the cause of the problem. See the Plant Pests and Bonsai page.

What Do those Numbers Mean?

These elements are part of the macronutrients -- nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Numbers such as 20-20-20 or 7-9-5 indicate the total percentages of N-P-K (in that order).

Other minerals are also provided in fertilizer. They are important; however they are available in much smaller amounts and are a mixture of the other macronutrients and micronutrients.

• Nitrogen (the first number) N is important for the vegetative growth of plants. Leaf yellowing is often a sign of lack of nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can slow down the manufacture of fruit and flowers.

• Phosphorus (second number) P is critical for roots, fruit and flowers. A blooming plant usually responds to extra phosphorus by displaying more flowers.

• Potassium (third number) K makes the structure of the plant strong. This increases resistance to stress and disease. (Potassium is also known as potash.)

Changing the fertilizer formula you use, can make an amazing difference in the response of your bonsai!

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