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.

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

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)