Fertilizers, sprays, pastes
For your trees to thrive for decades in small pots, they cannot do without regular nutrient supply and protection. At our centre in Libčany, we only use proven bonsai fertilisers that we test ourselves on our tens of thousands of trees. As bonsai have only a limited amount of substrate available, the right choice and dosage of fertiliser is absolutely essential for their growth, trunk strength and abundant flowering.
Why choose nutrition and protection with us?
- We offer professional bonsai fertilizers in liquid and solid form such as Substral for basic nutrition or Plagron professional fertilizers (including traditional Japanese organic fertilizers such as Biogold).
- We stock effective bonsai sprays against pests and fungi such as Mospilan or Careo to keep your trees in perfect condition.
- For post pruning treatment we have wound sealants, for leaf beauty we have leaf polish and for deadwood lovers we offer the essential JIN.
Tip: We recommend the correct dosage for each product to avoid over-fertilization or damage to the leaves.
How to combine fertilization and protection correctly?
The key is regularity. During the growing season
we recommend fertilizing in smaller doses but more frequently. If you notice unwanted visitors, such as aphids or crickets, you need to apply a suitable
spray to the bonsai immediately. We also offer special stimulants to help trees cope with stress after repotting or transport. Using the right bonsai substrate that can distribute nutrients efficiently to the roots is also crucial for overall vigour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often to fertilize bonsai?
We normally recommend
an interval of two to three weeks. However, for older and slow-growing bonsai, less frequent fertilization, even once every six weeks, is sufficient. Young and fast-growing plants, on the other hand, need more fertiliser to give them enough energy for their development.
When should I avoid fertilising?
Never fertilise plants that have
diseased roots or plants from the
Mediterranean during their winter dormancy. Similarly, we recommend
not to fertilise during and just before
flowering, so that the tree does not shed its flowers prematurely.
Can I fertilize right after transplanting?
After transplanting and root pruning, we recommend waiting
four to six weeks to fertilize until the root system has recovered. The new soil usually contains the nutrients needed to get started (unless you are using sterile Akadama), so the tree will not suffer immediately after transplanting.
Why be careful with gradual release fertilizers?
With
Osmocote fertilizers, we don't know exactly whether we are still fertilizing even if the plant doesn't need it anymore. This is a risk with outdoor bonsai, because if you use a long-lasting fertiliser in spring, it can still supply nitrogen in September, when we need the leaves and mesh to mature before winter.