Juniper bonsai, with its unique shape and evergreen leaves, has become the heart of many bonsai lovers. However, in order to maintain its beautiful posture and vigorous vitality, reasonable fertilization is very important. This article will introduce the best fertilizer selection, fertilization time, fertilization method and precautions of juniper bonsai in detail, to help bonsai lovers to better maintain their juniper bonsai.
Growth Characteristics And Fertilizer Requirements Of Juniper Bonsai
Juniper is an evergreen conifer, native to North America, with cold, drought, and barren tolerance characteristics. In the maintenance of bonsai, juniper has its unique demand for nutrients. Spring and summer are the flourishing period of juniper growth, when the demand for nutrients is larger, so it is a key period for fertilization.
The nutrients required by juniper bonsai mainly include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and so on. Nitrogen contributes to leaf growth and makes bonsai luxuriant. Phosphorus plays an important role in root development and fruit formation. Potassium can enhance the stress resistance of bonsai and improve the overall growth quality.
The Choice Of Juniper Bonsai Fertilizer
1. Compound fertilizer
Compound fertilizer is a kind of fertilizer containing a variety of nutrient elements, which can meet the various nutrients required for the growth of juniper bonsai. Compound fertilizer has the advantages of balanced nutrition, easy use, lasting fertilizer effect, etc. It is a common choice for juniper bonsai fertilization.
When choosing a compound fertilizer, attention should be paid to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. For juniper bonsai, it is generally recommended to choose a compound fertilizer with a ratio of 15-15-15 or similar to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This ratio can not only meet the needs of leaf growth, but also take into account root development and fruit formation.
2. Organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer refers to the fertilizer made of animal and plant residues or excrement as raw materials after fermentation. Organic fertilizer contains rich organic matter and various nutrient elements, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility and promote the growth of juniper bonsai.
Common organic fertilizers include rapeseed cake, bean cake, and farm manure. These fertilizers need to be fully fermented and decomposed before use to avoid adverse effects such as burning the roots of bonsai. At the same time, organic fertilizers have a slower fertilizer effect and need to be applied continuously to achieve the best results.
3. Trace element fertilizer
In addition to the main nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, juniper bonsai also needs some trace elements to maintain normal growth. These trace elements, including iron, zinc, manganese, copper, etc., have important effects on the chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme activity of bonsai.
Micronutrient fertilizer is usually applied in the form of foliar spraying, which can be quickly absorbed and utilized by bonsai. In the selection of trace element fertilizer, attention should be paid to the composition and concentration of fertilizer to avoid excessive application of bonsai poisoning.
Juniper Bonsai Fertilization Time And Method
1. Fertilization timing
The timing of fertilization of juniper bonsai should be determined according to its growth cycle and seasonal changes. In the spring and summer growth period, fertilizer should be applied once a month to meet the nutrient needs of bonsai. In the dormant period of autumn and winter, the number of fertilization should be reduced or stopped to avoid excessive growth of bonsai or freezing damage.
Specifically, spring is the germination period of juniper bonsai, and some fertilizers with higher nitrogen content should be applied at this time to promote the growth of leaves. Summer is the growth peak of juniper bonsai, at this time should be applied some nutrition-balanced compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer, in order to meet the needs of bonsai for a variety of nutrients. Autumn is the fruit ripening period of juniper bonsai, at this time should be appropriate to reduce the amount of fertilizer to avoid fruit overgrowth affect the ornamental effect. Winter is the dormant period of juniper bonsai, at this time should stop fertilizing, so that bonsai into a dormant state to accumulate nutrients.
2. Fertilization method
There are two main fertilization methods for juniper bonsai: base fertilizer application and topdressing application.
The application of base fertilizer is carried out when the bonsai is changed or transplanted. Before changing the pot or transplanting, the weeds and residual roots in the pot soil should be cleaned up, and then the appropriate amount of base fertilizer should be applied. Base fertilizer can choose decomposed organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer, mixed with the basin soil and filled into the basin. The application amount of base fertilizer should be determined according to the size and growth of bonsai, generally not too much.
Topdressing is carried out during the growing process of bonsai. Topdressing can choose compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer or trace element fertilizer, etc., according to the needs of bonsai and seasonal changes to determine the type and amount of fertilization. Topdressing can be applied by spreading, hole applying or foliar spraying. Spreading is to evenly spread fertilizer on the surface of the basin soil, and then water to dissolve the fertilizer and be absorbed by the bonsai; Hole application is to dig some small holes in the basin soil, fill the holes with fertilizer and cover the soil; Foliar spraying is to dissolve fertilizer in water and spray it evenly on the leaves of bonsai with a sprayer.
Juniper Bonsai Fertilization Precautions
1. Control the amount of fertilizer
The amount of fertilizer applied to juniper bonsai should be determined according to its growth and seasonal changes. Excessive fertilization will cause bonsai to grow too prosperous, leaves too large, branches too long and other problems, affecting the ornamental effect of bonsai. At the same time, excessive fertilization will also cause soil nutrient imbalance, soil acidification and other problems, which will adversely affect the growth of bonsai. Therefore, when applying fertilizer, the amount of fertilizer should be strictly controlled to avoid excessive application.
2. Pay attention to fertilization time
The fertilization time of juniper bonsai should be determined according to its growth cycle and seasonal changes. In spring and summer, the number and amount of fertilization should be appropriately increased; In the fall and winter dormant period, fertilization should be reduced or stopped. At the same time, pay attention to the weather conditions when fertilizing, avoid fertilizing in rainy days or high temperature weather, so as not to cause fertilizer loss or burn bonsai.
3. Choose the right fertilizer
The fertilizer choice for juniper bonsai should be determined according to its growing needs and seasonal changes. In the spring and summer growth period, you can choose some fertilizer with higher nitrogen content or compound fertilizer with balanced nutrition; In the autumn and winter dormant period, you can choose some fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium or organic fertilizer. At the same time, when choosing fertilizer, we should also pay attention to the composition and concentration of fertilizer, and avoid choosing fertilizers that contain harmful ingredients for bonsai or fertilizers that are too high in concentration.
4. Pay attention to soil management
Soil management of juniper bonsai has important influence on fertilization effect. Weeds and root residues should be cleaned before fertilization to keep the soil loose and breathable. At the same time, after fertilization should be watered and loosened in time to promote the dissolution of fertilizer and the absorption of bonsai. In addition, measures such as replacing the basin soil or disinfecting the basin soil should be carried out regularly to maintain the fertility and health of the soil.
5. Observe bonsai reaction
The response of bonsai should be closely observed after fertilization. If bonsai leaves yellow, branches wilt and other problems, may be due to excessive fertilization or improper fertilizer selection caused. At this time, measures should be taken in time to remedy, such as reducing the amount of fertilizer, changing the type of fertilizer or soil conditioning. At the same time, in the process of fertilization should also pay attention to observe the growth of bonsai, timely adjust the fertilization program to meet the needs of bonsai.
Juniper Bonsai Fertilizer Application Examples
The following is an example of the application of juniper bonsai fertilizer for bonsai lovers’ reference:
1. Spring fertilization
In the spring budding period, choose a high nitrogen content of compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer for application. The fertilizer is evenly spread over the surface of the basin soil and watered to dissolve the fertilizer and be absorbed by the bonsai. Apply once a week and continuously apply 3-4 times to meet the nutrient needs of bonsai.
2. Summer fertilization
At the peak of summer growth, choose a nutritionally balanced compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer for application. It can be applied by spreading or hole application. Application once a month, continuous application of 2-3 times can meet the needs of bonsai for a variety of nutrients.
3. Autumn fertilization
In the autumn fruit ripening period, the amount of fertilizer should be appropriately reduced to avoid excessive fruit growth affecting the ornamental effect. You can choose some fertilizer containing more phosphorus and potassium for application. After the fertilizer is dissolved in water, spray it evenly on the leaves of the bonsai with a sprayer. Application once a month can meet the needs of bonsai.
4. Winter fertilization
Stopping fertilization during the winter dormant period allows bonsai to enter a dormant state to store nutrients. If bonsai leaves yellow and other problems can be sprayed with some trace element fertilizer to remedy.
Conclusion
The fertilizer selection and application of juniper bonsai is an art and a science. Reasonable fertilization can satisfy the nutrient demand of bonsai, promote its healthy growth and maintain its beautiful posture and vigorous vitality. I hope this article can help bonsai lovers to better maintain their own juniper bonsai and enjoy the fun and sense of achievement brought by bonsai.
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