Foliage feeding for greener evergreens

october

Hello everyone. I have heard about foliage feeding before, but I recently had the process explained to me by my teacher. One of my junipers is not quit as green as it should be. It seems in these parts, Massachusetts, that a few bonsai enthusiasts have experienced the same thing this year. Their junipers just did not have a good season.
My teacher suggested mixing an organic liquid fertilizer along with some epsom salts. I believe he said half a tablespoon. Then spray the mixture on the foliage and that will help turn the foliage green. I have heard of epsom salts use before, but this was the first time I was told how to use it as a foliage feed. Has anyone done this or know of anyone who has? I would like to know the results.

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ginkgosrule

the epsom salts thing i have heard of but i heard it from a book that it is used for blue needle trees

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october

Yes, I heard something like that too. I am really curious if anyone has seen the results from this particular kind of foliage feeding.

BrianBay9

I haven't seen any controlled, scientific studies that demonstrate that foliar feeding has a significant effect. Some indicate that trace elements get inside the foliage, but those don't show that the elements are effectively used. Some show effects, but don't control for fertilizers washing off the foliage and entering via the roots. But if you or your teacher are convinced that foliar feeding works, then by all means use it. It can't hurt.

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october

Thanks for the reply. Actually, it seemed that my teacher was describing it from a third party perspective. That was my impression. Kind of like he heard of people using this technique, so to speak and wanted to offer me some advice. However, I am somewhat skeptical. I think I will just wait till the next season and see if my juniper in question greens up some more.

kingkong

We spray with Magnesium when needed, helps strengthen cell walls, improves uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur.

dtree

I have read studies that show results for trace elements, but not macro-nutrients.

PatArizona

G'day...

Ah ha...another controversial subject...

In "the (bonsai) literature", there seems to be a significant following that supports the idea of "foliar feeding".

I, however, tend to agree with rockm who said: “…As for foliar feeding, it's a myth that it can be used effectively for much of anything other than micronutrients. Plant leaves are built for photosynthesizing, not taking up nutrients--roots evolved to do that…”.

And Bryanbay9 said: “...The list below, I believe, includes pretty decent studies. The best they conclude is that some micronutrients MIGHT be absorbed through the foliage. Even that data is equivical. Most conlcude any marginal or occasional effects are not worth the cost of application.

“http://www.specialtycrops.colostate...rtilization.htm

“http://msucares.com/pubs/researchreports/rr22-16.htm

“review article: http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/newsle...tropics7742.pdf

“http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/6/1220

“http://www.springerlink.com/(yp0mls55lauehknp0hdcqv45)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,2,31;journal,21,571;linkingpublicatio nresults,1:100326,1

“http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1006/az10068e.html...”.

Furthermore, I think that adding fertilizer to the soil is more effective, less labor intensive, and less expensive.

One more thing…again I THINK that the greatest benefit you get from “foliar feeding” is from the fertilizer (spray) that reaches the soil.

Food for thought...

Pat

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Repotter

As for Epsom salts, I have used it on my Rosemary and it seems to stimulate blooming. I have been told of it's use for Roses as well. All this only used as fertilizer on the soil and not as foliar feeding.

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