Bonsai food comes in a variety of forms and is important to consider when feeding your trees. Granular or liquid varieties are both available, but it is best to use liquid because it is easier to control, quickly takes up, and breaks down better than granular food. Be sure to avoid using common granular Urea-based fertilizers, as they can cause salt buildup. Use liquid instead, or make sure to dilute it with water before adding it to your trees.
It’s not always necessary to feed your bonsai every day. Wait until the plant’s growth is stable before adding more food to its diet. Watering a bonsai once a day, twice a week, or every other day is sufficient for the majority of species. However, be sure not to overfeed it. Overfeeding your bonsai may damage it, so stop feeding it for a month or so and wait until it’s healthy and happy.
When choosing bonsai food, it’s important to consider the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is important for vegetative growth, but too much nitrogen can slow the production of fruit and flowers. Phosphorus is vital for roots and fruit. Excess amounts of phosphorus will lead to more blooms. Make sure to buy a fertilizer with these three elements, and don’t be afraid to experiment.