Question
QUESTION: I have two bonzai gardenias and, so far, haven't killed them!!  Actually, I am quite proud of the fact that I have had them for about 10 months and they are well.  I have not fed them though because I didn't know what product to feed them.  They are now covered in buds, believe it or not, and I really want to see them bloom without dropping all those promising buds.  Do you have any suggestions about food?  I know they like acid but I'm afraid of over-feeding them.  They are so tiny and those Miracid boxes are so big!

Can you help me?

I hope to hear from you soon...before I lose those buds!  Dale

ANSWER: Hi Dale,

I know there's probably 100's of acidic-like fertilizers on the market, but this is what we recommend to our customers. http://www.bonsaioutlet.com/All-Purpose-Acidifying-Fertilizer-4-6-4-P816C63.aspx

This fertilizer is organic so it's gentle on roots. Again, I'm sure you're local garden center carries Acidic fertilizer, but regardless of brand, go easy at first.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the info.  I will follow-up.  Do you have advice on when I should be feeding, and how often?  Some say I shouldn't feed while the plant is in bud/bloom.  Others say that I should feed during the blooming season.  What is the rationale for deciding when to feed during the year?  

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Dale,

I may have just answered this question on www.BonsaiOutlet.com a few minutes ago. April to September is the optimal time to fertilizer flowering trees (during the growth phase). Flowing trees need food to bud & bloom. I suggest that you follow the directions on the fertilizer, but once a week during the growing season is good. Sometimes a little less during the hot summer days.