What are the fertilization methods for stump bonsai?

For stump bonsai, the earlier production and later care are equally important. If your stump bonsai is made very beautifully but is not properly cared for later, it will still lose its ornamental value. The editor will introduce to you the fertilization methods and precautions for stump bonsai.

Stump bonsai

The soil in the pot of a stump bonsai is limited, so nutrients are also limited, and attention should be paid to supplementing fertilizer. Because of its artistic characteristic of showing the large within the small, stump bonsai should not be fertilized too much or too frequently. It is necessary to master the fertilizer content and types, and grasp the fertilization season. The three main elements of plant growth nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of branches and leaves of the stump; phosphorus fertilizer can promote the formation of its flowers and fruits; potassium fertilizer can promote the growth of stems and roots. Therefore, the selection of fertilizer should be determined according to the type of stump and its growth condition.

If the stump needs luxuriant branches and leaves, more nitrogen fertilizer can be applied; if the stump needs to produce more flowers and fruits, the phosphorus fertilizer content can be increased; if the roots and trunk need to be thick and well developed, more potassium fertilizer can be applied. Fertilization methods are generally divided into slow-release fertilization and quick-release fertilization. Slow-release fertilization generally involves crushing and decomposing organic fertilizer, mixing it into the soil in a certain proportion, and when changing the soil, mixing it into the pot so that it slowly provides nutrients; quick-release fertilization involves diluting organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer and then applying it according to the seasonal growth needs of the stump, but note that it must not be too concentrated. Newly planted stumps are not suitable for this type of fertilization. Fertilizing on rainy days causes the fertilizer effect to leach away, and the result is poor.

Fertilization of stump bonsai

        The fertilization of stump bonsai is very particular. Too much fertilizer causes excessive growth of branches and leaves; lack of fertilizer makes branches thin and weak, turns leaf color yellow, and makes the plant susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, scientific fertilization should be done according to time, amount, fertilizer type, and tree species.
(1) According to time. Newly planted potted trees, those just potted, or those newly repotted with fresh soil should temporarily not be fertilized because the root system has been damaged. Wait until early spring or early summer of the following year, when the potted tree is in its peak growth period, and fertilize more. After autumn begins, the growth of the potted tree slows down and less fertilizer should be applied. In winter, when the potted tree has entered dormancy, fertilization should stop. Fertilization is not suitable on rainy days or around noon during high temperatures in midsummer, because fertilizing on rainy days easily causes leaching and easily damages the root system. Fertilizing on cloudy days or in the evening is best. When the potting soil is slightly dry, first remove weeds from the pot and loosen the soil, which helps the fertilizer water penetrate into the soil, accelerates the decomposition and absorption of fertilizer, and at the same time avoids fertilizer damage.
(2) According to amount. The fertilization amount for stump bonsai should follow the principle of small amounts and frequent applications. Each fertilization amount should be small and dilute. Generally, from the Beginning of Spring to the Beginning of Autumn, apply a thin fertilizer solution once every 10 days (7 parts water, 3 parts fertilizer). After the Beginning of Winter, do not fertilize.
(3) According to fertilizer type. Nitrogen fertilizer promotes vigorous plant growth and more flower buds. Commonly used nitrogen fertilizers include soybean cake, ammonium sulfate, and fertilizer water. Phosphorus fertilizer promotes bright flower color and plump fruits, such as superphosphate and crushed bone meal. Potassium fertilizer promotes well-developed roots and a sturdy plant, and commonly used ones include potassium sulfate and plant ash. Fertilize separately according to the plant's growth condition, and at the same time also determine it according to the tree species' characteristics and growth condition, and apply it flexibly.

Three key points for fertilizing stump bonsai in the four seasons

        The fertilization method for stump bonsai is very important. If too much fertilizer is applied, branches and leaves grow excessively; if fertilizer is lacking, branches become thin and weak, leaf color turns yellow, and the plant is susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, here are three points for scientific fertilization:

        First, according to amount. The fertilization amount for stump bonsai should follow the principle of small amounts and frequent applications. Each fertilization amount should be small and thin; large stumps and bonsai with luxuriant branches and leaves should be fertilized appropriately more; otherwise, less should be applied. Generally, during the long vigorous growth period from the Beginning of Spring to the Beginning of Autumn, apply a thin fertilizer solution once every 10 days, that is, 7 parts water and 3 parts fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers such as 4—6% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Chunquan 883, Feilibao, and Huimanfeng can also be used for foliar fertilization, and the effect will be better. After the Beginning of Autumn, fertilizer can be applied once every 20 days, and the fertilization amount should gradually decrease. After the Beginning of Winter, no more fertilizer should be applied;

        Second, according to fertilizer type. Nitrogen fertilizer can promote vigorous plant growth and more flower buds. Commonly used nitrogen fertilizers include soybean cake, ammonium sulfate, urea, and human and livestock manure and urine decomposed at high temperature; phosphorus fertilizer promotes bright flower color and plump fruits, such as superphosphate and crushed bone material. Foliar spraying of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.; potassium fertilizer promotes well-developed roots, material transport, and a sturdy plant. Commonly applied ones include potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, plant ash, etc., and potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can also be sprayed on the leaves; at the same time, fertilizer should be applied separately according to the plant's growth condition, and it should also be flexibly mastered according to the tree species' characteristics and growth condition.

        Third, according to time. For newly planted stump bonsai, those just potted, or those newly repotted with fresh soil, because the root system has been damaged, fertilization may temporarily be omitted. Wait until early spring or early summer of the following year, when the potted tree grows vigorously, and fertilize more. After autumn begins, the growth of the potted tree slows down and less fertilizer should be applied. In winter, when the potted tree has entered dormancy, fertilization should stop. Fertilization is not suitable on rainy days or around noon during high temperatures in midsummer, because fertilizing on rainy days easily causes leaching and easily damages the root system; and at high temperatures, water evaporates quickly, causing the fertilizer solution concentration to become too high and burn the roots. Fertilizing on cloudy days or in the evening is best. If the potting soil is slightly dry, first remove weeds from the pot, loosen the soil, and then fertilize. This helps the fertilizer water penetrate into the soil, promotes the rapid decomposition of fertilizer so it can be absorbed and used, and at the same time avoids chemical damage.