TIPS FOR MARCH (Southern Hemisphere)

March is a great time to root prune and repot some varieties of plant stock, being either a bonsai in need of root pruning, or something you have prepared for potting up.  Avoid root pruning any deciduous trees, this is better done just as the tree is coming out of dormancy at the end of winter.  March and April is a great time to root prune junipers, conifers and other evergreen trees.  It is important to be aware of conditions in the weather.  Repot your trees in the cooler part of the day and protect them from harsh sun, wind, or any early frosts for at least a couple of weeks.  It is best to leave any fertilizing with a liquid on these trees for this period also.  A product which is useful for minimizing the stress that the tree is under is “superthrive”, which can be applied straight away.  “Superthrive” is also useful in other instances where fertilizer is not appropriate, such as a tree that may be ill.

A good time to have a quick chat about soils.  I have been using the “Debco” Bonsai Mix for a number of years now, and have found it a great base soil to work with.  I will use this product mixed with a slow release fertilizer such as “osmocote” for any small bonsai.  For conifers, junipers and larger bonsai I also mix in marble chips which are quite coarse and sharp.  I have found that all trees that I have used this on respond extremely well with excellent growth rates.

Start fertilizing your trees during autumn.  The growth pattern that trees have at this time is generally to fatten up and store energy for their dormant period. Autumn is a good time to keep an eye on any wire that may be on your trees.  A fertilizer that is not high in nitrogen, but has a good balance of all elements is suitable.  I use “Maxicrop” here at the nursery.  I will also add sulphate of potash when fertilizing any fruiting or flowering trees to generate a better display of fruit or flowers in spring.

ledanta@grapevine.com.au
http://www.ledanta-bonsai.com.au/