AusBonsai

Hi everyone

I've recently decided to purchase some bonsai after a long period of contemplating the idea, and am trying to learn all I can about the art.

My problem today is that I'm looking for some suitable fertilizer for each. Starting with the Juniper, I've read that fertilizers with an NPK composition of 10-10-10 is optimal in the growing season, while 0/2-10-10 is best in the present season. I'm having trouble locating any fertilizers in Australia that are around this composition! What does everyone else use?

I'm also not even sure where to begin with the maple, but was tempted to assume that it might be similar?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

After reading Bonsai Ramblings, Dave suggest using Bloom Booster by Manutec, N 6.19 P 14.64 K 16.8, I'm currently trying it out and so far so good

Hey I missed that in Daves book I started using that today though and think I will continue.

soltan wrote:Hey I missed that in Daves book I started using that today though and think I will continue.

Bloom Booster is mentioned 4 times in 3 pages
I was thinking maybe he works for Manutec

But in all seriousness I think it is a good product, easy to use and the lower Nitrogen is ideal for this time of the year.

Ah, great thanks for the tip off about Bloom Booster!

By the way, which book is the "Dave's book" that's been referenced a few times?

Emoska wrote:By the way, which book is the "Dave's book"

G'day Emoska, Dave's book is Bonsai Ramblings. I have a copy and it is definitely worth a read. Lots of tips, interesting and humorous stories.

S.

I am thinking the low nitrogen is going to be a benifit during summer heat as well. But that is a longer story

The book is written by a member here.
viewtopic.php?f=102&t=751

It is a great read and has some very good local info. I think only the cd available at the moment but check with Dave.


Edit: Beat me

Ah, fantastic! Thanks everyone- I'll keep an eye out for a copy

By the way, I found a 12-12-12 tablet fertilizer while looking for the Bloom Booster, which I think will be good for the growing season for both the Juniper and Maple.

And have recently acquired a 10-30-30 Chempak fertilizer for Autumn and Winter (of which I will use a third of the recommended dose).

Sounds ok on paper, hopefully it works out practically

They sound intresting can you state the brand.
I would reckomend using the fert at full strenght the way it was designed to be used. Bonsai take fertiliser the same as any other potted plant

eliast wrote:After reading Bonsai Ramblings, Dave suggest using Bloom Booster by Manutec, N 6.19 P 14.64 K 16.8, I'm currently trying it out and so far so good

I use that on my wisteria.

We find over here that fertiliser formulated for tomatoes is a good balance for autumnal use. In fact in some years I have used it throughout the season on my mature trees which don't need a lot of nitrates..

soltan wrote:They sound intresting can you state the brand.
I would reckomend using the fert at full strenght the way it was designed to be used. Bonsai take fertiliser the same as any other potted plant

The Chempak one (10-30-30) is one I got on Ebay actually, which is widely available in the UK.

The other one (12-12-12), is one which I'm following up at the moment with Manutec. (http://www.manutec.com.au/default.asp?p ... atalogue=6 )

Thanks for the advice about using the fertilizer at full strength, I'll keep that in mind