Which Fertilizer Should I Purchase and Use?

neici

Help Again?

I would like to know which type of fertilizer I should buy and use for my 4 day old Fukien Tea Tree. On the label, it said to use a liquid 20*20*20, but I would like to know what exactly is it's equivalent, or what you guys suggest. I know there are several brands on the market, Miracle-Gro, Scotts, and several more.

I would just like some advise on what to buy and fertilize with?
I WOULD LIKE ALL SUGGESTIONS!!! Let's not forget, this is my very first tree, I am totally clueless!

I know I can count on my good friend Matt, to help me, and I know there are others I have yet to hear from.

Thanks in advance all, and Matt!

neici

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TreeBay

Your good friend Matt goes through about 40 lbs of organic fertilizer every year. I think it's fantastic.

That said, I also sell the stuff, so you have to take that into consideration, too. There is some info in the ***FAQ*** on this topic.

Regards,

Matt.

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neici

I knew I could count on ya!!

Thanks as usual. Look forward to hearing from me real soon, with another crisis!!

Still waiting to hear from others.


Thanks again Matt. I'll look into and get organic.

neici

doody

Neici, I am also new to bonsai, but have read alot on this subject. You will find that every single person in the bonsai world has a different oppinion about fertilizing their trees. In the spring I used miracle gro 20-20-20 for fast, vigerous growth. Now that it is summer, and trees are in an almost dormant (sleepy) state, I am using 5-1-1 fish emulsion. In the fall I will use bone meal and in winter I will use some thing organic with a very low npk. I forget exactly how I come to use this as my plan but it had somthing to do with the fact that the trees needs change with the seasons. For insence, right now plants are pretty much dormant, so little fertilizer is needed now. But by using a certain amount, you will be setting the trees up for good fall growth and colors. Something like that.
I use to bodybuild, and after a few months of the same exersise routine, your body gets use to the routine. This results in slow muscle growth. You would have to switch the routine and shock your body in order to get vierous growth again. I would think this applies to feeding your trees. Like I said, I am also new to this. So you might want to wait for more replies.

Good luck!

neici

Thanks a lot PETE!

Wonderful advice! You were very helpful, PETE, just as my good friend Matt was! I would have never thought of trees as needing changes with the seasons.

I think I will try it this way to start my tree off with the proper necessities. My tree is very small, and I want only the best for it as it matures and grows.

Again, thanks!

neici

vec

I've read all the replies to this question because I am also a newbie to the world of Bonsai. Everyday my interest grows in them more and more.

With my studies and work commitments all requiring me to take in information, this new art of Bonsai is causing an overload, so much new information to compute.

Adam

I think organic is a wonderful fertilizer, but if you can find osmocote with a npk of 9-6-6 or around that, your tree's will like that because it's a slow release fertilizer. I use osmocote and my tree's grow like crazy in spring,ecspecially my chinese elm.

Adam

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ripsgreentree

Neici: It is good to see your interest and enthusiasm.
Just a couple of thoughts about fertilizer. First and formost remember that fertilizer is a two-edged blade. used properly, your trees will grow like crazy. Over used, you can burn the tips off of your roots and your beautifull tree will turn white and die, or as I say crash.

To prevent this from happening I use an injection system that puts a very small amount of fertlizer into my watering system. This gives my trees a constant supply of food in very small amounts. This prevents root burn. The point for you is to use 1/2 strength or even 1/4 strength. (dilute down from the suggested usage) Apply this solution more often than is suggested.

Now I don't know what your temperatures are lik,e but if you are over 100 degrees I would be using one tablespoon of fish emulsion in one gallon of water and use this water until it is gone and mix a new batch after you have watered with out fertilizer for two weeks.

I know that this does not seem like much but for your tree it is like Thanksgiving dinner every day. Remember that chemical fertalizers are the most dangerous, so use them sparingly.

respectfully

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ripsgreentree

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neici

Thanks ripsgreentree!

I thank you for taking time out to break it down and explain it to me the way you did! I am very, very, very lost, but at the same time, my interest and enthusiam is off the meter!!

I don't know anything about pruning or rewiring the tree, but I guess I'll worry about that when it's time to.


Thanks again for your encouraging advice. I like this method already.

neici