bonsai 🪴

Transform Your Garden into a Personal Paradise!

Best Fertiliser for Bonsai: Feed Your Miniature Tree the Right Way

Bonsai trees may be small in size, but they require expert-level care—especially when it comes to fertilisation. Because bonsai grow in limited soil volumes and undergo frequent pruning, they quickly exhaust available nutrients. A well-balanced fertiliser routine is essential to keep your bonsai healthy, compact, and vibrant.

What Makes Bonsai Different?

Bonsai are not a plant species—they’re regular trees and shrubs grown in containers and kept miniature through careful pruning and training. That means they have the same nutritional needs as full-sized trees, but in a much smaller, more controlled environment. Key differences:
  • Small root systems: Makes nutrient depletion happen faster
  • Frequent watering: Leaches nutrients from the soil more quickly
  • High attention to shape: Requires consistent, not excessive, growth support
Common bonsai types include:
  • Juniper, Pine, Cedar (conifers)
  • Maple, Elm, Ficus (deciduous)
  • Azalea, Bougainvillea (flowering)
Each type may have different nutrient demands, but all benefit from a **liquid, complete fertiliser** that delivers a steady, diluted feed throughout the growing season.
devin-h-PAEwrnasOvY-unsplash
marco-murakami-Ap4wkcAr4Wk-unsplash

Bonsai Growing Tips – Soil, Light, and Water Requirements

Healthy bonsai growth starts with the right conditions. Because you’re working with shallow trays or small pots, every detail—especially fertiliser and water—matters.

Soil Tips for Bonsai

  • Free-draining mix: Use a blend of akadama, pumice, and lava rock or bonsai potting soil with grit/perlite
  • pH-neutral to slightly acidic: Most species prefer a pH between 6.0–6.8
  • No peat-heavy potting mixes: These retain too much moisture and can suffocate roots

Watering Guidelines

  • Check daily: Water when the top layer begins to dry out, especially in summer
  • Use soft watering: A fine mist or shower head prevents soil compaction
  • Flush soil monthly: Occasional deep watering helps prevent salt build-up from fertilisers

Light & Environment

  • Indoor bonsai (e.g. Ficus): Needs bright indirect light and airflow
  • Outdoor bonsai (e.g. Maple, Juniper): Full to partial sun, protected from harsh winds
  • Humidity trays: Help indoor bonsai maintain moisture around the foliage
milada-vigerova-JloxbrNcknY-unsplash
arnaud-berthomier-SMbW_DyXGf4-unsplash

Choosing the Right Fertiliser for Bonsai

Because bonsai trees grow in limited soil and get pruned often, they need regular feeding—but only in small, controlled amounts. A balanced liquid fertiliser ensures that nutrients are absorbed quickly without overloading the root zone.

Ideal Fertiliser Characteristics

  • Balanced NPK: A complete formula (e.g., 20-20-20) supports all-round growth—roots, branches, and leaves
  • Micronutrients: Includes iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc for chlorophyll production and colour
  • Liquid format: Easier to dilute, delivers faster results, and prevents overfeeding

Fertiliser Timing

  • Spring to early summer: Feed every 2 weeks for active growth
  • Late summer: Reduce to once a month
  • Winter: Pause fertilising while bonsai are dormant (except for evergreens indoors)

Tips to Avoid Overfeeding

  • Always dilute fertiliser as directed—bonsai roots burn easily
  • Use filtered or rainwater if possible—helps avoid mineral buildup
  • Flush pots monthly with clean water

With the right fertiliser and consistent care, your bonsai will reward you with compact, elegant growth and long-term vitality.

Recommended Products

Sale!

The Grow Blog: News, Tips, & Stories

Cart (0 items)

No products in the cart.