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14-Jan-2006
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#1 |
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bonsaiTALK Journeyman
Join Date: Dec-2005
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Country: Canada
Posts: 11
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Fertilizing Ficus
I'm going to buy my first bonsai ever, a ficus (as soon as I can find some, so probably closer to spring), and I don't have fertilizer. I'm limited in the money that I can spend, but I can spend a bit on fertilizer.
My mom has ""Schultz-Instant" Liquid Plant Food". The NPK rating is 10-15-10, so it's not too bad, right? I was wondering if I could use that as fertilizer for my ficus. As for where it'll live, it'll be inside in winter, in 70 degree temperature, and outside in summer, in 77-82 degree temperature. Also, I've looked in lots of stores, including some garden centres (most are closed, they're only open in spring and summer), Superstore, and Home Depot, but I can't find any fertilizer with an even NPK rating. The closest is 10-15-10, which my mom has anyway. Any help would be appreciated.  |
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14-Jan-2006
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#2 | |
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bonsaiTALK Master Chief
 
Join Date: Feb-2005
Location: Madison, WI
Country: USA
USDA Zone: 4-5
AHS Heat Zone: 4-5
Posts: 1,698
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Quote:
others will chime in I am sure. -Paul
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14-Jan-2006
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#3 | |
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Hec DeBrabant
 
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Ficus Fertilizer
Quote:
The Schultz will be just fine, I have used the same one for my "houseplants" including ficus for as long as I can remember. In fact I recommend it at the store where I work for indoors "tropicals" including bonsai. Mix it at half strength. Use it every two weeks in the growing season (warm weather) and once a month in the during winter. I like Schultz because its easy to use and has no odor and it has micro nutrients which seem to be beneficial for the tree. The 10-15-10 is a good one as well. Good luck with your endeavor, .Hector
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http://www.tellys.com http://www.Fourseasonsbonsai.com The original Four Seasons Bonsai Club of Michigan. Guest master in August is Pedro Morales on August 30, 31 demo and workshop. Tellys Greenhouse, 3301 John R road, Troy Mi. 48083 Four Seasons Bonsai Club meetings monthly. Troy, Michigan "Anything is possible when you don't know what you are doing"................someone famous I think. |
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14-Jan-2006
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#4 |
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bonsaiTALK Journeyman
Join Date: Dec-2005
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Country: Canada
Posts: 11
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Thank you, that's one less thing I have to buy, now.
But it doesn't say that it's "fertilizer", but "plant food". I'm sure that's the same thing, but I might as well just make sure.  |
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14-Jan-2006
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#5 |
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bonsaiTALK Master Chief
Join Date: Feb-2005
Location: Madison, WI
Country: USA
USDA Zone: 4-5
AHS Heat Zone: 4-5
Posts: 1,698
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Plant food is fertilizer, fertilizer provides nutrients to the tree, and it feeds the tree.
Just as broccoli is called broccoli but it is also food. 
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14-Jan-2006
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#6 |
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Secret Agent
Join Date: Nov-2004
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Country: U.S.
USDA Zone: 5/6
AHS Heat Zone: 4/5
Posts: 838
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It will be just fine. I have used Schultz liquid plant foof on my ficus tree's for a couple years now with positive results.
Although I am in the minority here, I mix and feed at full strength. This "myth" (in my opinion anyway) of mixing at half strength is something that originate a long time ago and has little to no scientific merit (to the best of my knowledge). The fertilizers are chemically formulated and precisely adjusted for the specified dosages. Deviation from that dose could greatly alter the fertilizers effectiveness. The only reason I see to dose at half strength would be to limit the tree's growth . . . but IMO, doing so will rob the tree of its vigor. Brent at evergreengardenworks.com has written a well formulated article on the subject which can be found here. Just my .02 . . . . I'm sure MANY will disagree.
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Here's to a long life and a merry one, a quick death and an easy one, a pretty girl and an honest one, a cold beer and another one!
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