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The
Bonsai
Feeding
To
develop, grow and reproduce, the living organisms need some energy
sources, such as U.V. rays, water and plenty of chemical
elements, which they derive from the soil. These nourishments can be
divided into macroelements and microelements, according to
the quantity required by the vegetable.
Amongst the macro-elements we number nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium,
sulphur and calcium; amongst the micro-elements (also called trace
elements) there are iron, copper, manganese, zinc chlorine and boron.
NITROGEN (N)
It derives from the organic stuff of the soil and it is basic for the
plant life. It takes part in the composition of amino acids, proteins
and chlorophyll, so it stimulates the growth and the green
color of the leaves. Its lack leads to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves
and tends to slow the germination. On the contrary, its excess leads to an
excessive growth of the green parts and to a higher sensibility to
pathogenic agents.
PHOSPHOROUS (P)
It intervenes during the photosynthesis as molecule constituent
employed in the transport of energy and protein synthesis. Thus, it is indispensable
for the growth of vegetation and of the root-ball, as well for flower and
fruit development. Its deficiency manifests with stunted growth, fallen
leaves, which become dark, associated to necrosis of portions of the
plant.
POTASSIUM (K)
It works together with phosphorous, which is necessary for its absorption.
It allows the photosynthesis, helping the creations of sugar
(especially starch) and proteins. It helps the intense color of
flowers and fruits and improves the resistance to pathogenic
aggressions. Its lack causes slow growth and brown spots on the leaves,
which will dry later.
CALCIUM (Ca)
This element can be found in vegetable cells, both in soluble form
and as carbonate, phosphate and so on. The older parts of the plants and
its trunk are rich in this element. Moreover calcium regulates the pH
and the permeability of cellular membranes. Its lack causes young
leaves deformation and brown-yellow spots on their edge and veining.
MAGNESIUM (Mg)
It is an important element in chlorophyll, indispensable to
photosynthesis, so to the same life of the plant. It enters in the
constitution of cellulose and in the protein synthesis, as well as it
works as acid neutralizer.
Its lack makes the oldest leaves and their veining become yellow or brown
at their edges.
SULPHUR (S)
It enters in the constitution of amino acids and proteins. It works as
free radicals neutralizer.
Its lack has the same effects as nitrogen lack: it causes poor growth and
young leaves yellowing.
IRON (Fe)
It intervenes in the processes of oxide reduction. Its lack
manifests with the so-called ferric chlorosis, which interests the
youngest leaves, whose veining remain green.
Feeding
schedule
This box refers to an under layer of pure akadama.
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DECIDUOUS TREES AND CONIFERS
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EARLY
SPRING (February/March):
oxblood to help vegetative renewal and stimulate the foliage growth,
neutralizing winter alkali.
SPRING:
manure and Bio Gold, both rich in nitrogen, to support spring
vegetative push.
EARLY
SUMMER (June): oxblood
HIGH
SUMMER (July-August):
no fertilization, as hot temperature stops photosynthesis, slowing
the whole vital cycle.
LATE
SUMMER (September):
Aburakasu with fishmeal, rich in potassium, which helps blossom
trees preparing their flower buds for the following year.
AUTUMN
(October): charcoal, rich in potassium, which increases resistance
to cold temperature and stuff storage.
WINTER:
no fertilization. We advise the use of charcoal for conifers, as it
regulates the pH, absorbs the exceeding humidity and gives a
beautiful color to the needles.
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TROPICAL PLANTS
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Used
to a constantly hot temperature, they present a continuous
vegetative season. So, in summer they will follow the rules for
deciduous trees and conifers. You have just to add some Bio Gold
during the hottest months (July and August).
Kept
indoors during winter, they slow their growth, because of the
reduction of light, lack of balance between temperature and too low
humidity. You will just use oxblood, containing iron chelates with a
greening action.
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