Which Is The Best Juniper Bonsai Fertilizer?
Vital to use the right fertilizer composition in the right season for healthy growth
Juniper bonsais are a popular choice among growers and for all the right reasons! This exquisite variety can spruce up any space it is kept in. But to enjoy the unique beauty of this bonsai, you have to care for it the right way. And perhaps the most important aspect of caring for a juniper bonsai is regularly feeding it with the right fertilizer.
To ensure healthy and strong growth, your juniper bonsai needs nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring. Lower levels of nitrogen are recommended for summer and fall.
If you are not too sure how to feed your juniper bonsai, we are here to help you out. Here is what you need to know about adding juniper bonsai fertilizer to your bonsai tree.
What Type of Fertilizer Do Juniper Bonsai Like?
Bonsai fertilizers are a balanced combination of essential nutrients and micronutrients that bonsai plants require in the long run. When it comes to the best fertilizer for juniper bonsai, you have two main options – Liquid and granular fertilizers.
Liquid fertilizers: They penetrate the soil easily and give all round nourishment quickly. But the thing is that liquid fertilizers do wash off more easily. You can use organic liquid juniper fertilizer like fish emulsion or seaweed fertilizer to make your juniper bonsai stronger and healthier weekly or every 14 days.
Granular fertilizers: On the other hand, granular fertilizers take time to reach the roots. You add them to the topsoil and every time you water the plant, these slow-release granules get absorbed into the soil.
When to use which composition?
- Spring: Keep in mind to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring only. It promotes quick growth.
- Summer: This is the time to use a balanced fertilizer.
- Fall: During this season your juniper needs a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Best Fertilizers for Juniper Bonsai Trees – Some Packaged Options To Buy
Still not sure about which fertilizer you should buy for your juniper bonsai. Here is a list of a few options (liquid-based as well as pellets) for you to choose from. Check it out!
1. Bonsai Fertilizer Pellets by Perfect Plants
These natural, slow-release NPK 18-6-8 fertilizer pellets can be used for all bonsai tree varieties and work for both established plants as well as starter kits. These provide nourishment for a long period.
2. Leaves and Soul Bonsai Fertilizer Pellets
With this juniper bonsai fertilizer, you get the perfect blend of nutrients for healthy growth. This 18-6-8 slow-release fertilizer (lasts up to 6 months!) consists of every nutrient and micronutrient your bonsai needs. It can be used for mature plants as well as seedlings and works well for all bonsai varieties.
3. Dyna-Gro BON-008
This complete nutrient solution NPK 7-9-5 contains all the essential minerals that your plant needs. And it is super easy to use! Just dilute the formula according to the instructions given on the packaging and add it to the bonsai.
4. Perfect Plants Liquid Bonsai Fertilizer
This liquid-based fertilizer ensures healthy and vibrant growth. Just add a measured amount of fertilizer to the water before watering your bonsai. It comes in a resealable bottle, which ensures your fertilizer stays effective for a long time.
5. BioGold Bonsai Fertilizer Pellets
Probably one of the best fertilizers for juniper bonsai, the unique triangular shape of these pellets ensures that it doesn’t roll off the pot while you water the plants. This can also help save your bonsai from mildew, worms, mold, insects and birds and is perfect for a variety of houseplants.
How Do You Feed A Juniper Bonsai?
It is ideal to follow the instructions given on the packaging while feeding your plant.
Here’s how it is usually done:
- Use liquid fertilizers every week by mixing them with water and using the mixture to water/mist the plant.
- Slow-release pellet juniper bonsai fertilizer can be used once a month during spring and fall. Just add the fertilizer to the topsoil of your bonsai. The granules will dissolve and nourish the juniper every time you water your plant.
When To Feed Your Juniper Bonsai?
Feed your juniper bonsai in spring, summer and fall with fertilizers of varying ratios of NPK. The requirement for nitrogen is the highest in spring, moderate in summer and low in fall. Avoid feeding your plant during winter when it is dormant.
How Much Fertilizer Does A Juniper Bonsai Need?
For maintaining the health and strength of your bonsai, it’s best to feed it once every 3 weeks. However, liquid juniper bonsai fertilizer can be used weekly or every 14 days.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that you do not add fertilizers to your juniper bonsai at least for a month after re-potting it. This is to avoid creating stress on its roots.
What Is The Ideal NPK Ratio and Ingredients for Junipers?
For all the new gardening enthusiasts, you must know that a fertilizer has three basic elements:
- Nitrogen, which helps promote growth (stems, leaves and above-ground growth of the plant).
- Phosphorous, which aids in healthy root growth. It also contributes to the growth of flowers and fruits.
- Potassium, which boosts the overall health of the plant.
- Other than these, fertilizers can also consist of other micronutrients like Boron, copper, zinc, iron and magnesium.
The ratio of these elements may differ according to the season or the type of tree/plant. You can use a balanced fertilizer like 19:19:19 for your juniper bonsai. However, this ratio may change according to the season or the specific needs of your bonsai.
Why Is There A Need for Fertilizing Juniper Bonsais?
Fertilizing a plant can help provide it with nourishment by offering nutrients that the soil might be lacking. Juniper bonsais have limited soil in the container in which they are planted. Thus, it becomes very important to replenish the nutrients of the bonsai soil to keep the plant healthy and strong.
Whether you choose to feed your plant a slow-release juniper bonsai fertilizer on monthly basis or use a liquid fertilizer weekly, fertilizing is an important step in taking care of your juniper bonsai.
To put it shortly, fertilizing promotes strong growth, aids the plant in protecting itself from diseases and pests, and promotes quicker growth.
FAQs
Q. Can I use bonsai fertilizer on other plants?
Ans. An efficient bonsai fertilizer should be balanced between nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, the three main nutrients. A bonsai fertilizer doesn’t really have to be a special tree fertilizer.
It can also be used for feeding other plants since these do not contain any elements that are specially meant for bonsai trees. The difference is generally in the ratio of elements and not the components.
Q. When should I avoid fertilizing my bonsai?
Ans.Bonsai trees benefit from being fed fertilizers regularly. However, there are a few occasions when it’s best to avoid adding fertilizers to your plant. This generally happens when your plant is under stress.
Hence it is recommended to avoid adding fertilizers for a month after repotting your bonsai. Also, you need not fertilize your plant when it is dormant during winter.
It is recommended to use the fertilizer for juniper bonsai during the active growth period. By late summer and early fall, the plant may stop absorbing nutrients. During this period, you can reduce the frequency of adding fertilizers.
Q. Which one should you use – liquid or granular fertilizer for juniper bonsai?
Ans.Basically, the kind of juniper bonsai fertilizer you use is your personal choice.
Slow-release granules work really well for all juniper bonsais in the long run eventually. Apply once and simply keep watering the plant to reap the benefits steadily.
On the other hand, liquid fertilizers give super-fast results. However, there is a chance that liquid fertilizers may get washed away while you water the plant.
Summing Up..
Taking care of a juniper bonsai can be a little tricky. While not adding fertilizers can end up weakening your plant, overfeeding may also hamper its growth and health. It is best to stay on the lower side rather than overdoing it. Also, thoroughly read the instructions given on the packaging of the plant food. Even the best of fertilizers for juniper bonsai trees can give you ill results if not used properly.
