How to apply fertilizer according to the growth status of the golden marble bonsai?

The golden marble potted plant is loved by gardening enthusiasts for its unique shape, lush branches and leaves, and bright fruits. However, in order to make the golden ball bonsai thrive, it is crucial to choose the right fertilizer and apply it scientifically. So how to apply fertilizer according to the growth status of the golden ball bonsai? Let’s take a look below.

1. Young stage (just after transplanting - before forming)

1. Application of base fertilizer: When the golden ball plant is young, apply sufficient base fertilizer when transplanting or repotting. Generally, organic fertilizers can be used, such as decomposed chicken manure, sheep manure or cake fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer and soil thoroughly and fill it into the bottom of the pot. The amount should be about 1/10-1/5 of the total amount of soil in the pot. For example, for a flower pot with a diameter of 30 cm, 200-300 grams of organic fertilizer can be added. This can provide long-term nutrients for the plants, promoting root growth and the initial development of branches.

2. Frequency of top dressing: During the growing season (spring and autumn), young golden marbles have a greater demand for nutrients and require regular top dressing. Generally, apply thin liquid fertilizer every 10-15 days, such as mixing urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate in a 1:1 ratio to make a 0.1%-0.2% solution for watering. The concentration of liquid fertilizer should not be too high to avoid burning the roots.

3. Nutritional focus: This stage focuses on the application of nitrogen fertilizer to promote the lush growth of branches and leaves. However, it is also necessary to use appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote root development and thickening of branches and trunks. In spring, you can apply a compound fertilizer with high phosphorus and potassium content, such as 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, every 2-3 top dressings to enhance the plant's resistance.

2. Initial stage of molding (before the initial result after the molding is basically completed)

1. Fertilizer adjustment: When the shape of the golden marble bonsai is basically completed, the focus of fertilization should be shifted from simply promoting growth to maintaining the shape and promoting flower bud differentiation. Reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer and increase the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. For example, the ratio of urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be adjusted to 1:2, and the concentration of liquid fertilizer can be appropriately increased to 0.2%-0.3%.

2. Time to apply fertilization: Before the differentiation of flower buds in spring, apply a compound fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium, such as 10-15 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per pot. In autumn, you can add some organic fertilizer, such as decomposed bone meal, 20-30 grams per pot, to reserve nutrients for next year's growth and flower bud differentiation.

3. Foliar fertilization: In addition to root fertilization, foliar fertilization can also be carried out. During the peak growing season, spray 0.1%-0.2% borax solution and 0.3%-0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once a month to promote flower bud differentiation and leaf photosynthesis.

3. Resulting period (after the initial result)

1. Fertilization before flowering: Before the golden ball plant blooms, ensure sufficient supply of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to improve flowering quality and fruit setting rate. A 0.2%-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be applied once every 1-2 weeks. At the same time, a small amount of trace element fertilizer, such as ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, etc., can be added, with a dosage of 0.05%-0.1%, to ensure the normal development of flowers.

2. Fertilization during the fruiting period: A large amount of nutrients is required during the fruit development period. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are the main ones, with nitrogen fertilizer as a supplement. Compound fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 weeks, with the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium being 1:2:2 and the concentration being 0.3%-0.5%. At the same time, appropriate supplementation of calcium fertilizers, such as calcium nitrate, at a concentration of 0.2%-0.3%, will help improve the firmness and quality of the fruit.

3. Fertilize after harvesting the fruit: After the fruit is picked, the golden marble bonsai consumes a lot of nutrients and needs to be replenished in time. Apply organic fertilizer once, such as decomposed cake fertilizer, 200-300 grams per pot, and then add a small amount of compound fertilizer, 10-15 grams per pot, to help the plants recover and prepare for the next year's growth and fruiting.

4. Slow growth period (winter)

1. Control fertilization: In winter, the growth of golden marble is slow and the demand for nutrients is reduced. Generally, no fertilization is needed. If the indoor temperature is high and the plant is still growing, you can apply extremely dilute liquid fertilizer once a month with a concentration of 0.05%-0.1% to maintain the basic life activities of the plant.

2. Supplementation of basal fertilizer (optional): If you plan to repot in the spring of next year, you can add an appropriate amount of basal fertilizer, such as decomposed compost or manure, to the bottom of the pot in winter to provide sufficient nutrients for spring growth. But be careful not to let the fertilizer come into direct contact with the roots to prevent root burn.

5. Fertilization adjustment under abnormal growth conditions

1. Yellowing leaves: If the leaves of the golden ball plant turn yellow, it may be due to a lack of nitrogen fertilizer or trace elements (such as iron and magnesium). You can apply 0.2%-0.3% urea solution first and observe the situation. If there is no improvement, it may be due to iron or magnesium deficiency. Spray 0.1%-0.2% ferrous sulfate solution or 0.2%-0.3% magnesium sulfate solution.

2. Growth stagnation: Growth stagnation may be due to insufficient soil fertility or damaged root system. First check whether the root system is healthy. If there is a problem, treat the root system first (such as pruning rotten roots and replacing well-ventilated soil). Then apply a 0.3%-0.5% compound fertilizer solution to promote the plant's recovery growth.

3. Severe flower and fruit drop: This may be due to a lack of phosphorus, potassium or boron fertilizers. Increase the application of phosphorus, potassium and boron fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting stages, such as spraying 0.2%-0.3% borax solution and 0.3%-0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves, while reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive growth of branches and leaves.

That’s it