A fertilization record reminds you what you applied, to which plant and on which date. It does not tell you which product, dose or interval the tree needs. Those decisions require reliable guidance that considers the species, product, conditions and your cultivation method.
What to record for each application
- Identify the plant by the same name used on the card.
- Record the date the application occurred.
- Write down the product name or type as it appears on the label and the quantity only if you measured it.
- Describe how you applied, without converting the annotation into a recommendation for other trees.
- Save any subsequent notes with the corresponding date.
Example: “12/09 — Countertop olive — applied product X as per label; I observed the condition of substrate before the task”. If you're not sure of the quantity, write "not measured." An incomplete data and identified as such is more useful than an estimate presented as accurate.
Keep the history connected to the plant
Packaging and label photos can serve as personal support, as long as you respect storage limits and keep important copies. Avoid using just a generic name like “fertilizer”: recording the exact reference helps you interpret the history later.
A spreadsheet can filter dates and products. A notebook is quick to use at the bonsai bench. In an app, check that each entry stays linked to the plant profile and that you can export your data. With Bancada Bonsai, the care history gathers records per specimen; the tool keeps what you wrote down, does not prescribe handling.
Consult the product label and appropriate technical references before any application. For general bonsai information, see the basics of Bonsai Empire.