Epsom Salt

[Anonymouse]

Hi! I recently saw something that said to use epsom salt on bonsai as food for the tree... Is this actually true?

 

[sorce]

Epsom Salts

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has come across this as a cure for ailing plants. 4 TLB per gallon and mist and drench. Neighbor lady who is a pretty good gardener told me this...swears by it! She says it gives the plant a shot of magnesium which helps it get going. Have I been mislead again? :D

www.bonsainut.com

The recent thread on it.

It's magnesium sulfate.

I never noticed anything bad.

Sorce

 

[ShadyStump]

I've heard horror stories of people using too much in their gardens over time and turning the soil toxic for a year or two, but that's generally only a concern in dryer climates.
With bonsai it should be fine since you can flush the soil whenever you like.

 

[just.wing.it]

I used a hand full of it on an azalea that was in the ground, when it had a bad case of yellow leaves. Leaves turned back to green in a few days.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

4 tablespoons per gallon to me is an excessive dose. That is roughly 60 ml by volume which will be over 60 grams per 4 liters. 1 Tablespoon = 15 ml

I use Epsom salts at 1 teaspoon (5ml) per gallon (3.8 liters). I use it once every 2 or 3 months, or if I see any signs of chlorosis. Leaves turning yellow with the viens keeping a green color is classic chlorosis, and time for a dose of Epsom salts, magnesium sulfate. I usually do a dose of an iron supplement at the same time.