Liquid Fertilizer Ratios

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Hi all. So I’ve purchased a bottle of Bonsai/Pro from Dyna-Grow. It advises 1/2 tsp per gallon for outdoor plants in general, and only 1/4 tsp per gallon for Bonsai. Is this based upon the assumption you may not want to grow your Bonsai fast, or is it safer or somehow more appropriate for Bonsai to use a more dilute mix?
 

berzerkules

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On all my plants I tend to test any new products at about half strength. I'm probably over cautious but better safe than sorry.
 

Potawatomi13

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Based on amount in container being contained(more concentration). In open ground dilutes away from plant losing effectiveness faster😲. As for self and some others use full strength, some even more during development stage of tree life🥰.
 
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Based on amount in container being contained(more concentration). In open ground dilutes away from plant losing effectiveness faster😲. As for self and some others use full strength, some even more during development stage of tree life🥰.
Hmm interesting, pushing the growth faster seems fun! ☺️
Just want to exercise some caution. I am using tall one gallon pots for growing out. My concern is the opposite of the one you stated. Since the lower portion of the pot has not been reached by roots, will the fertilizer not build up, thereby being to strong as the roots reach down? Or does the opposite happen, bigger roots growing faster as they reach down, and watering draining byproducts away? Is it perhaps advisable to rinse through with water alone, on occasion?
So what precisely is the development phase, if I may ask? Not simply a young plant? 🙃
 

Potawatomi13

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Hmm interesting, pushing the growth faster seems fun! ☺️
Just want to exercise some caution. I am using tall one gallon pots for growing out. My concern is the opposite of the one you stated. Since the lower portion of the pot has not been reached by roots, will the fertilizer not build up, thereby being to strong as the roots reach down? Or does the opposite happen, bigger roots growing faster as they reach down, and watering draining byproducts away? Is it perhaps advisable to rinse through with water alone, on occasion?
So what precisely is the development phase, if I may ask? Not simply a young plant? 🙃
Development phase when trunk made fat, roots made shallow, basic structure of tree set, usually secondary branching as well:). Refinement develops tertiary(smallest) branches/twigs, small foliage, more final pot size root system, satisfactory fulfilling "finished" happy design of tree. Be aware MOST trees only too ready to send roots to bottom of deep pot instead of sideways. Developing shallow roots best done early as possible(without killing tree). Sometimes water sits in bottom of deep pot ,"can" rot roots down there. Also be aware GREAT drainage always best. If drainage good, substrate open enough excess fertilizer should wash out drainage holes with H2O.
 
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Development phase when trunk made fat, roots made shallow, basic structure of tree set, usually secondary branching as well:). Refinement develops tertiary(smallest) branches/twigs, small foliage, more final pot size root system, satisfactory fulfilling "finished" happy design of tree. Be aware MOST trees only too ready to send roots to bottom of deep pot instead of sideways. Developing shallow roots best done early as possible(without killing tree). Sometimes water sits in bottom of deep pot ,"can" rot roots down there. Also be aware GREAT drainage always best. If drainage good, substrate open enough excess fertilizer should wash out drainage holes with H2O.
Thank you very much for this, valuable insight. Is a layer of inexpensive black lava rocks at the bottom of the pot effective? That's what I've been using, along with pumice combined with cactus mix as substrate. And also, what is the final verdict? lol As in, should I use the concentration they have specified for Bonsai? Or shall I use the recommended dose for outdoor plants in general, since I am growing out in a large pot with good aeration? Am I wrong to think you are suggesting the latter?? :)
 

Potawatomi13

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Thank you very much for this, valuable insight. Is a layer of inexpensive black lava rocks at the bottom of the pot effective? That's what I've been using, along with pumice combined with cactus mix as substrate. And also, what is the final verdict? lol As in, should I use the concentration they have specified for Bonsai? Or shall I use the recommended dose for outdoor plants in general, since I am growing out in a large pot with good aeration? Am I wrong to think you are suggesting the latter?? :)
Personally if container deep enough use coarse pumice/a bit of charcoal on bottom. Many do not. If drainage good enough not really needed;).
 
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