How To Fertilize House Plants
Outdoor plants obtain the nutrients required for growth from the natibe soil they are planted in. Houseplants rely on us to supply these nutrients through the application of fertilizers. Underfertilized houseplants often exhibit symptoms of slow growth, weak stems, pale leaves and reduced flowering. Below are basic Guidelines for fertilizing housplants.
Types of Fertilizers
Houseplant fertilizers come in a number of formulations. Some are wettable powders or concentrated liquids that are diluted with water then applied to the potted plant. Time release fertilizers are available as coated pellets or as spikes. A few are sold premixed and applied directly to the potting soil.
The label on a fertilizer package states the guaranteed analysis or grade. These are the three numbers listed on the package, such as 15-30-15, or 20-20-20. They refer to the percentage of nitrogen (first number, N), available phosphorus(second number, P) and water soluble potassium (third number, K) contained in the fertilizer. Plants require large amounts of these three nutrients and they are often referred to as primary nutrients. Nitrogen promotes green, leafy growth. Phosphorus encourages flowering and root growth, and potassium is necessary for stem strength and stress tolerance. Secondary nutrients, or micronutrients, are required in slightly lesser quantities and include calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Ground limestone is sometimes added to potting mixes to supply calcium and magnesium.
The fertilizer label will also state from what sources these nutrients are derived; chemical and/or organic. If synthetic or chemical fertilizers contain trace elements, these too will be listed on the label. Trace elements or micronutrients are needed by plants in very small amounts and include iron, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chlorine and manganese. It is usually safe to assume that organically derived fertilizers, because of their nature, contain some or all of the necessary micronutrients. Potting mixes that have a mineral soil component may also supply sufficient amounts of micronutrients. If you are not using an organic houseplant fertilizer, consider purchasing a chemical fertilizer that does include micronutrients since they are typically not present in soilless potting mixes.
Choosing a Fertilizer For Houseplants
Which is the best houseplant fertilizer? This will depend on the types of plants being grown, cultural conditions and your schedule. In general, foliage houseplants appreciate fertilizers high in nitrogen (first number) while flowering plants respond best to those with higher phosphorus (second number) analysis. There are plenty of specialty houseplant fertilizers out there but do examine their labels. Often the difference is more in the packaging than in the amounts or proportions of nutrients supplied.
Purchase a water-soluble powder or liquid concentrate if you will be fertilizing on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. If there will be long intervals between fertilizer applications, select time release formulations in either pelleted or spike forms. These can be applied at intervals from 2 to 9 months and will provide houseplants with a steady supply of nutrients.
Frequently houseplant lovers amass quite a collection of different plant species. Sometimes plants have specific fertility requirements but usually an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer could be applied to all plants. For example, a fertilizer where the three numbers on the package are equivalent or just about equal, such as a 20-20-20 or a 10-8-7, are usually sufficient.
When to Fertilize Houseplants
Houseplants respond to fertilizer during periods of active growth. This is usually from March until October. Reduced light and temperatures throughout the winter months often render a plant inactive and it is generally recommended that plants not be fertilized at this time.
The labels on most water-soluble fertilizers recommend monthly applications. Since these nutrients are easily leached from the potting mix, your plants may benefit from more frequent dilute applications. If one teaspoon per quart of water is recommended for monthly feedings, you could feed bimonthly using only one-half a teaspoon per quart or weekly using a quarter teaspoon per quart. This gives the plant a steady, continuous supply of nutrients. This type of regime is often recommended for flowering plants like African violets.
When fertilizing houseplants always follow the directions on the label. More is not better and excess nutrients can harm roots and leaves. Always apply fertilizer to an already moist potting soil to avoid root damage.
Overfertilization Of Houseplants
Browning roots and leaf tips, wilting, poorly shaped leaves and a white crust on pot rims may indicate overfertilization. Excess nutrients in the potting soil will desiccate or burn tender roots. High concentrations of nutrient salts also prevent the plant from taking up water so wilting is observed.
Often leaching the potted plant with copious amounts of water will reduce excessive fertilizer salt levels. Be sure water can drain freely. Another solution would be to repot the plant, gently removing as much of the old potting mixture as possible, and replacing it with fresh medium.
Keep houseplants healthy and thriving by practicing good watering practices, meeting their light and temperature requirements and providing adequate nutrition through a regular fertilization program.
SEE:
Diagram For Planting In A Container
Pruning Instructions for Houseplants
Insect Control For Houseplants
Disease Control For Houseplants
About Growing House Plants