shibui wrote:Few ferts state rates for bonsai but think a little - my bonsai are 'trees/shrubs' so I use the rates for trees /shrubs if stated on the label. They are also potted plants so if no rating for trees/shrubs look for potted plants. Basically it does not matter - use any of the rates on the label. (banksias excepted??)
I have also heard talk of Dynamic lifter being detrimental to bonsai but I have been using it for many years and so far no trouble.
Blood and bone is just nutrients. I have used it sometimes - the only issue was banksia seedlings one year but may not have been related to B&B. Do not use B&B if you have dogs - they will damage trees trying to lick it off the pots.
Home made solid fert may be hundreds of times cheaper but that does not work out to many $ and how many $ are spent chasing the ingredients and brewing and drying and applying and are you really getting the full range of nutrients??
It does not matter what fert you use. Too many people worry about WHAT to use and end up not using ANYTHING. Plants cannot read . They just take the nutrients they need and leave the rest to leach out of the pot.
Not meant to offend anyone but sometimes we think too much.
I use power feed, thrive and some other soluble fert ( can't remember the name). I chuck on some osmocote when I remember. All my trees get them same thing. As I have said in the past, I work on the toughen up or get out theory. I think provided you don't use the same thing every week for ever it doesn't matter as Shibui. When it comes to soil and fert bonsai people seem to make it so difficult
Josh