Methods of safely fertilizing

[777thSunRay]

I am wondering what the safest method of fertilizing is, while still spurring fast growth. I am not using large grow pots yet, just pots of 1 gallon or less. I am thinking of using a combination of cactus mix, perlite, and vermiculate. I have read that liquid fertilizers might boost growth more quickly. I wonder what others think of this idea. In any case, I somehow like the idea of fertilizing on a regular basis and monitoring as I go, not once per few months or even per year.

I want to be certain I apply the liquid fertilizer safely. I had an orchid die when I tried regular fertilizing with every watering, with a more dilute solution as suggested. If it is safe to fertilize with every watering, what is the method applied? Is it a better idea to liquid fertilize periodically at full strength?

Here is what I would like to know. Should I water the soil with plain water somewhat after, or maybe before, watering with the dilute fertilizer solution? The liquid fertilizer suggests half strength for regular watering. I am thinking perhaps I should use only quarter strength, considering the pot and mix setup I described above, just to be on the safe side. Are there any other precautions I should take with liquid fertilizing, especially doing so with every feeding? Thank you in advance!

 

[Potawatomi13]

Use at full strength except just after repot. Just not daily. Once/twice a week for developing trees. Less for refinement. Use in normal daily H2O. No extra H2O before or after as either will dilute what tree gets. Do not over think things.

 

[Shibui]

I use liquid fert at recommend strength every week or 2 and that seems to give good growth.

If you would like to try fert with each watering try looking at hydroponic type fert mixtures. Hydroponic plants get fert mix every time they are watered so that must be safe.
@cmeg1 has a thread showing an outdoor hydro setup he used to grow bonsai starters fast. Not sure if it mentions the nutrient mix but may contain other useful info. https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/o...ing-different-hydroponic-growing-media.50282/