What are the fertilization methods for stump bonsai?

Stump bonsai are prone to weak, spindly growth from insufficient fertilizer, or to leggy, deformed growth from excess fertilizer, which affects the artistic shape and reduces ornamental value. Therefore, fertilizer must be supplied at the right time, in the right amount, and according to need.

As for timing: newly potted trees or those repotted into fresh soil have damaged roots and are temporarily not suitable for fertilization. Wait until the following early spring or early summer, when growth returns to normal, then fertilize as appropriate.

After the beginning of autumn, the growth of potted trees gradually slows, so fertilizer should be reduced. In winter, most potted trees are dormant, so fertilization should stop. For potted trees placed on a balcony, if fertilization is needed, it is best done on a cloudy day or in the evening of a sunny day; first clear away all weeds in the pot and loosen the soil, then water once the next morning.

Appropriate amount: the suitable fertilization amount for potted trees should follow the principle of light and frequent application. From spring to autumn, generally apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days (fertilizer-to-water ratio of roughly 3:7). Or, according to the growth condition of the potted tree, appropriately increase or decrease the number of top-dressings, each time insisting on not excessive or too concentrated. According to need: nitrogen fertilizer (often urea or decomposed cake fertilizer) promotes lush branches and leaves, phosphorus fertilizer (bone meal or superphosphate) promotes bright flowers and large fruit, and potassium fertilizer (plant ash or potassium sulfate) promotes strong roots and stems. The application effects differ, so fertilizers should be selected in a targeted way according to the growth characteristics and ornamental requirements of each type of stump.

Fertilization methods for stump bonsai

For stump bonsai, the earlier creation and the later care are equally important. If your stump bonsai is very beautiful but later care is improper, it will still lose its ornamental value. The editor will now introduce the fertilization methods and precautions for stump bonsai.

Stump bonsai

The soil in the pot of a stump bonsai is limited, and therefore the nutrients are also limited, so attention should be paid to replenishing fertilizer. Because stump bonsai has the artistic characteristic of showing the large within the small, fertilizer must not be applied too much or too frequently; the fertilizer concentration and type must be controlled, and the fertilization season must be grasped. The three key 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 fruit; potassium fertilizer can promote the growth of the trunk and roots. Therefore, the choice of fertilizer should be determined according to the type of stump and its growth condition.

If you want the stump to have lush branches and leaves, you can apply more nitrogen fertilizer; if you want the stump to produce more flowers and fruit, you can increase the phosphorus fertilizer content; if you want the roots and trunk to be thick and well developed, you can apply more potassium fertilizer. 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 to let it slowly provide nutrients; quick-release fertilization involves diluting organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer and 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, giving poor results.

Fertilization of stump bonsai

        The fertilization of stump bonsai is extremely particular. Too much fertilizer causes leggy branches and leaves; lack of fertilizer causes thin, weak branches, yellowing leaves, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Therefore, fertilization should be done scientifically according to time, amount, fertilizer type, and tree species.
(1) According to time: newly planted trees, those newly potted, or those repotted into fresh soil should not be fertilized for the time being because their roots are damaged. Wait until the following early spring or early summer, during the peak growth period of the potted tree, then fertilize more. After the beginning of autumn, the growth of potted trees slows, so fertilizer should be reduced. In winter, potted trees have entered dormancy, so fertilization should stop. Fertilization is not suitable on rainy days or around noon during the high temperatures of midsummer, because fertilizing on rainy days easily leaches away and easily damages the roots. Fertilizing on cloudy days or in the evening is best. When the potting soil is slightly dry, first clear away weeds in the pot and loosen the soil, which helps fertilizer water penetrate into the soil, speeds up decomposition and absorption of the 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 many times; each fertilization amount should be small and dilute. Generally, from the Beginning of Spring to the Beginning of Autumn, apply a dilute fertilizer water once every 10 days (7 parts water to 3 parts fertilizer). After the Beginning of Winter, do not fertilize.
(3) According to fertilizer type: nitrogen fertilizer promotes lush plant growth and more flower buds. Commonly used nitrogen fertilizers include soybean cake, ammonium sulfate, and fertilizer water. Phosphorus fertilizer promotes brightly colored flowers and plump fruit, such as superphosphate and crushed bone meal. Potassium fertilizer promotes well-developed roots and a firm 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 determine it according to the characteristics of the tree species and its growth condition, applying it flexibly.