Fert Question

[Deleted member 47471]

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

 

[Glaucus]

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.

 

[Deleted member 47471]

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.

Which numbers would you recommend for optimal health and growth if not 6-5-4?

 

[fredman]

NPK ratio of 3:1:2 plus micro nutrients

 

[Deleted member 47471]

NPK ratio of 3:1:2 plus micro nutrients

much appreciated

 

[Gabler]

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.

 

[Deleted member 47471]

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.

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]

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.

 

[Colorado]

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:
View attachment 532846
Charlottesville water results

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]

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]

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.

 

[nuttiest]

I have some allround soluble plant fertilizer that mimics murashige and skoog medium composition

from where?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

from where?

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.

 

[nuttiest]

Well there is Ms media for sale all over, but I think it would be oddball ratios for fertilizing something. Interesting!