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Hi Rob,

Miracid is the product intended "for acid loving plants," which includes those you mentioned as well as many others that prefer a slightly acid pH. It should be fine on boxwood pine and spruce.

While I prefer using organic fertilizer because I believe it supports the development of a strong root system and beneficial soil micro-organisms, I would otherwise use Miracid on most plants because I live in an area (San Jose) where the water is a little hard and a little alkaline. The Miracid tends to buffer the pH a little.

I have often seen the recommendation to apply water soluble fertilizers (and even occasionally insecticides) at half-strength to bonsai. I don't know the basis for this. With the fertilizer, I think the original thinking was to apply it at half concentration - TWICE as often.

I suspect that many plants could tolerate full-strength application of fertilizer of Miracid/Miracle gro. Just never use a granulated chemical fertilizer at the strength recommended for plants in the ground. THAT is a recipe for root burn.

1-Jan-2002	#2
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,745	Re: fertilizer dilution Hi Rob, Miracid is the product intended "for acid loving plants," which includes those you mentioned as well as many others that prefer a slightly acid pH. It should be fine on boxwood pine and spruce. While I prefer using organic fertilizer because I believe it supports the development of a strong root system and beneficial soil micro-organisms, I would otherwise use Miracid on most plants because I live in an area (San Jose) where the water is a little hard and a little alkaline. The Miracid tends to buffer the pH a little. I have often seen the recommendation to apply water soluble fertilizers (and even occasionally insecticides) at half-strength to bonsai. I don't know the basis for this. With the fertilizer, I think the original thinking was to apply it at half concentration - TWICE as often. I suspect that many plants could tolerate full-strength application of fertilizer of Miracid/Miracle gro. Just never use a granulated chemical fertilizer at the strength recommended for plants in the ground. THAT is a recipe for root burn. __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!