Help! I am bad at plants, but have a new bonsai tree that I want to keep alive. Instructions say to fertilize it, but are contradictory re when (what time of year) and how often. On top of that, I think it came with those little green ball slow release fertilizers in the dirt. but I don’t know if that means I’d over fertilize if I added more, or how long they last if I don’t. Thanks!

Mina wrote:

Help! I am bad at plants, but have a new bonsai tree that I want to keep alive.

"Bonsai" are more difficult than the usual house plant - especially the type of "bonsai" that are sold at malls ("mallsai").

Not fertilizing the plant will most certainly not kill it.
No idea what you got, so can't give any further advice.

Mina wrote:

Help! I have a new bonsai tree.

Could you please post some pictures so we can help you?

Yes, thanks! Some pics:

Some good info about your Pachira Aquática ( it is also known as Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, provision tree, saba nut, and Pumpo):

www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/money-tree

Don't fertilize it in the winter, but do it heavily in the summer.

Thanks!