Ho Yoku Bonsai Thrive 180 Fertilizer
This is the fertilizer we use every day on our tropical bonsai at our nurseries in both Massachusetts and Florida.
If you have visited the nursery and noticed fertilizer baskets on our tropical trees, this is most likely what was inside. We use Ho Yoku Bonsai Thrive 180 when we want steady, reliable growth, strong foliage, and healthy root development without constantly reapplying fertilizer.
The only time we typically choose something different, such as BioGold, is on higher-end specimen bonsai where we are trying to maintain refinement instead of pushing a lot of growth.
Top Reasons to Use:
- Long-lasting nutrient release
- Lower risk of over-fertilizing compared to fast-acting fertilizers
- 19-5-9 NPK analysis in every granule
- Supports strong foliage, steady growth, and root development
- Works well in fertilizer baskets or sprinkled directly on the soil surface
Why We Like It
Ho Yoku Bonsai Thrive 180 is a slow-release granular fertilizer that provides a steady supply of nutrients over time. For tropical bonsai especially, this makes it easy to keep trees growing well through the active season without having to fertilize constantly.
We especially like it for trees where we want to encourage growth, recovery, thickening, or general vigor. It is a practical choice for pre-bonsai, developing bonsai, tropical trees, and everyday bonsai care.
Best Uses
- Tropical bonsai
- Pre-bonsai and developing material
- Trees that need stronger growth
- Trees recovering from pruning, repotting, or styling once they are actively growing again
- Use in fertilizer baskets to keep pellets contained and easy to remove
When We Would Use BioGold Instead
For refined specimen bonsai (and outdoor cold hardy trees), especially trees where we are trying to maintain shape and not push heavy growth, we may choose BioGold instead. Thrive 180 is better when the goal is stronger, more active growth.
Usage Instructions
Use approximately 1 teaspoon for every 3 inches of pot width. For example, use 2 teaspoons for a 6-inch pot or 3 teaspoons for a 9-inch pot.
Place the fertilizer in baskets or sprinkle a small amount evenly across the soil surface. The fertilizer will darken as it becomes fully hydrated.
When To Apply:
- Apply every 60 days during active growth
Package Size: 10 oz
NPK: 19-5-9
We ship thousands of bonsai trees and supplies each year, and every order is packed with care by our team. Live trees are watered, secured, and packaged to help them arrive safely and ready for their new home.
Live bonsai trees generally ship early in the week, Monday and Tuesday, to reduce time in transit. Tools, pots, soil, fertilizer, and other non-living items usually ship throughout the week.
Bonsai Outlet is a licensed nursery, not just a warehouse. We follow the proper inspection and certification requirements for shipping live plants across state lines. When a state requires additional documentation, such as a nematode certificate or nursery inspection certificate, we work to ensure the proper requirements are met before shipping.
For complete shipping and return details, please visit: Shipping & Returns
