Bonsai Forest
Omono
I plan to transition from using 10-10-10 granular fertilizer on my bonsai to 6-5-4 granular. This is a wise move, yes? I heard recently 10-10-10 is not advised. Any input is helpful!
Thanks
Thanks
Fert Question
- Thread starter Bonsai Forest
- Start date
Glaucus
Chumono
NPK isn't being consumed or washed away with a 10-10-10 ratio. So therefore it doesn't make sense to add it in that ratio. I still think that 6 to 5 is pretty small ratio in favour of N.
Bonsai Forest
Omono
Which numbers would you recommend for optimal health and growth if not 6-5-4?
fredman
Masterpiece
NPK ratio of 3:1:2 plus micro nutrients
Bonsai Forest
Omono
much appreciated
Gabler
Masterpiece
I have alkaline water, so I use Holly Tone, which happens to be a 4-3-4 fertilizer. A bit more phosphorus and potassium than necessary, but it gets the job done. If you don't need to adjust your pH for acid-loving plants, just use Osmocote or Miracle Gro.
Bonsai Forest
Omono
I see Holly and Plant Tone and Osmocote at work all the time and have heard many people on here saying they use it with great success.
After watching a video warning about 10-10-10, I decided to go with 6-4-5 ratio.. but also ordered BIOGOLD (5-6-3) online tonight and picked up a low ratio liquid fish fertilizer as well. My JPN 1 exploded with growth and health last year with the 10-10-10 but I think I’m understanding the need to cut back.
I have not reached the level of testing my water pH levels but I’ve decided to begin collecting rain water and will use that when available (otherwise tap).
Also found this:
Charlottesville water results
Glaucus
Chumono
It is very good that your tap water doesn't have fecal bacteria or beta particle radiation.
But for plants, what matters is hardness aka the bicarbonate.
Tap water having a bit of nitrate is good, for plants, because you add a tiny bit of fertilzer with each watering.
The thing with fertilizer is, you may be using 10-10-10 or 6-5-4 or 9-4-2 (aka 3-2-1), but usually just one of these is lacking in your substrate or soil. You just don't know which one.
Most likely, it is the nitrate, though.
But for plants, what matters is hardness aka the bicarbonate.
Tap water having a bit of nitrate is good, for plants, because you add a tiny bit of fertilzer with each watering.
The thing with fertilizer is, you may be using 10-10-10 or 6-5-4 or 9-4-2 (aka 3-2-1), but usually just one of these is lacking in your substrate or soil. You just don't know which one.
Most likely, it is the nitrate, though.
Colorado
Masterpiece
I really like Biogold - that is my go-to. Along with liquid fish/kelp. Sometimes I will also add some organic blood meal pellets to up the nitrogen ratio a little bit because I think the blood meal is something like 12-0-0. I just add a little bit.
cmu268
Sapling
Biogold is my go-to, I replace/replenish every 4-6 weeks or so. And do a weekly watering with Neptune’s Harvest fish/kelp emulsion.
Wires_Guy_wires
Imperial Masterpiece
I went for chicken manure and yesterday added some organic for acid loving plants since I'm watering tap water in the summer. I'll be blending the two in a 3:1 ratio.
I have some allround soluble plant fertilizer that mimics murashige and skoog medium composition for cases that are hard to diagnose. It should reset everything if I dunk my pot in it.
I have some allround soluble plant fertilizer that mimics murashige and skoog medium composition for cases that are hard to diagnose. It should reset everything if I dunk my pot in it.
from where?
Wires_Guy_wires
Imperial Masterpiece
It's a brand called Pokon, it's available in my part of Europe but I'm pretty sure it's not sold in the US.
If you think there's a market for it, I think I can try to convince them to broaden their market.
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