Indoor plants depend on proper fertilization to maintain their health and vigor. Being confined in pots limits their access. They cannot get the diverse nutrients found in soil. This guide provides detailed insights. It covers choosing and using the right fertilizer for indoor plants. This will ensure their growth and well-being.
Artificial Soil Enrichment
As a result, plant enthusiasts must enrich the soil by fertilizing. But, fertilizing isn’t simple. A lack of vital nutrients in the soil is as risky as an excess. Let’s explore how to select and apply fertilizers in home conditions.
When to Fertilize Indoor Plants?
Understanding the Growth Cycle
Fertilize indoor plants during their active growth. This includes budding and fruit formation. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy. It can disrupt the plant’s rest and cause unwanted growth.
Seasonal Fertilization Schedule
It is crucial to adapt your fertilization practices to the changing seasons:
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Spring (Early April to mid-May): This is the active growth phase. Fertilize every 14 days to support new shoots and leaves.
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During summer (Mid-May to Mid-Summer), fertilize indoor plants every 7-10 days. The timing depends on the intensity of flowering.
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Late Summer (August to September): Reduce the frequency to every three weeks.
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During Autumn and Winter (October to March), do minimal fertilization. Apply it every 1.5 months and cut the dosage by 30-50%.
Give special care to winter-blooming plants like orchids and African violets. They need monthly fertilization with no dosage reduction.
Types of Fertilizers for Indoor Plants
Mineral Fertilizers
Mineral fertilizers come in two main categories: mono-nutrient and complex.
Mono-nutrient mineral fertilizers focus on single elements. These elements include potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. But, many plant enthusiasts prefer complex mineral fertilizers. These contain vital extras like sulfur, zinc, manganese, and boron.
It’s wise not to rely on one type of fertilizer. Indoor plants enjoy a variety of nutrients throughout their life cycles.
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Farmers apply nitrogen-based fertilizers in spring and early summer. They encourage robust growth during the vegetative phase.
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Potassium fertilizers: Geared toward promoting growth, encouraging bud formation, and supporting abundant flowering. They’re often combined with phosphates for optimal results.
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Phosphate fertilizers are vital. They help develop strong roots and increase plant resilience. This is especially true against sudden temperature changes. They’re great for decorative plants in balcony boxes or terraces. They help the plants withstand drought and temperature changes.
Fertilizer makers offer special blends for specific indoor plants. These include orchids, cacti, succulents, evergreens, and bulbous flowers. These formulations address the special nutritional needs of plant groups. They help gardeners give targeted care.
Organic Fertilizers for Indoor Plants
Organic fertilizers offer many advantages. Household materials can make them abundant. While indoor plants must comprehensive care, they can’t rely on organic matter. But, it serves as a valuable supplement alongside mineral fertilizers.
Eggshells
Eggshells are a popular organic fertilizer, but they’re often misused, rendering them ineffective. Calcium is essential for plant life. It is in eggshells as calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate does not dissolve in water. To make it absorbable, you need to dissolve calcium carbonate in water using citrate.
Important Tips:
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Mix 3 tablespoons of ground eggshell with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice in 1 liter of water and let it sit for 8 hours.
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Eggshells are effective for young plants developing their root system.
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Ideal application periods are from April to June and after repotting.
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Apply this fertilizer once a month.
Banana Peels
Banana peels are a source of valuable minerals, potassium. To prepare the fertilizer, put 1 banana peel in a half-liter jar of water. Cover it and let it ferment in a warm, dark place for 7 days. After straining, add another 500 ml of water, and use it as liquid fertilizer in equal parts for 5 days. Apply once every 2 months.
Coffee or Tea Grounds
The residues from high-quality tea or coffee are suitable for fertilizing indoor plants. This includes green and black-leaf tea, coffee machine tablets, and coffee grounds. Collect, dry, and sprinkle 2 tablespoons on the soil every 2 months. Avoid excessive use as it can acidify the soil. Tea and coffee grounds are best for domestic roses. They are also good for azaleas and bulbous flowers.
Wood Ash
Wood ash is a source of manganese, sulfur, and zinc, with high bioavailability for plants. Just add 2 tablespoons to the soil when repotting. It will protect roots from fungal infections.
Citrus Peels
Dry and grind mandarin, grapefruit, or orange peels into powder. Pour 2 tablespoons into 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep for a day, and add 100 ml to each pot once a month.
Onion Peel
Onion peel is a helpful fertilizer during flowering. It also prevents soil pests. Mix dried, ground peel into the soil during repotting. Or, boil 30 g of peel in 1 liter of water. Let it sit for 3 hours, strain, and pour 100 ml into each pot.
General Recommendations for Fertilizer Application
Concentration and Form
Fertilizers come in various forms like liquid, granules, tablets, and sticks. Liquid fertilizers are easier to measure and apply. It’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid root burns. Never exceed the recommended frequency or dosage mentioned on the packaging.
Timing after Repotting
After repotting, indoor plants need time to acclimate to their new environment. Avoid fertilizing them immediately; wait at least 2 weeks. The fresh soil already contains essential nutrients. For best results, wait 3 months after repotting to apply fertilizer.
Relationship with Photosynthesis
Mineral consumption influences photosynthesis. Good soil nutrients promote growth. But, this needs enough light. Fertilize plants that bloom and grow year-round, especially in winter. Make sure they get good light. Use artificial grow lights if needed. Inadequate lighting during fertilization can harm the plant.
Soil Moisture
Never apply fertilizers to dry soil. Regardless of the fertilizer type, ensure the soil is moist before application. Even liquid fertilizers must dilution with water. The water brings them to a specific concentration for watering. These precautions prevent root burns. Avoid fertilizing plants during peak sunlight hou
Foliar fertilizers must special attention. Plants with hard, smooth leaves benefit from these sprays. They are applied by spraying. Foliar feeding is only suitable during active growth and should target young leaves. Avoid using rinsing. It stops fast evaporation. Fast evaporation can harm the lower parts of stems and leaves.
Foliar Fertilizers
Use foliar fertilizers for plants with fleshy and velvety leaves. Such plants include African violets, velvet plants, episcia, Scindapsus, coleus, tradescantia, Clerodendrum, Rhipsalis, and Monstera.
What Not to Use as Fertilizers: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Broad-Spectrum Mineral Fertilizers
Beginners often make the mistake. They use broad-spectrum mineral fertilizers for garden crops. While these fertilizers may work for outdoor plants, they can be harmful to indoor plants. It’s safer to opt for mineral fertilizers formulated for indoor plants. If you use broad-spectrum fertilizers, use half the recommended dose at first. This prevents overfertilization.
Organic Fertilizers to Avoid
Popular organic fertilizers, such as cow manure or bird droppings, don’t work for indoor plants. They can be toxic and lead to burns, causing the death of the plant. Also, do not use feces and urine from pets like birds, cats, or guinea pigs.
Fallen Leaves Misconception
Fallen leaves collected in autumn are often mistaken as beneficial for indoor plants. But, worms and bacteria must be in the pot. Without them, the leaves won’t rot. Instead, as they break down, they will release harmful toxins and heavy metals. These can harm the plants.
Coffee Grounds and Tea Residue
Using coffee or tea residue for indoor plants can be harmful. This is true if they contain flavored or colored materials. These synthetic substances can harm the plants. Also, avoid using wet residue. It can lead to the mass reproduction of fruit flies, nematodes, and mold.
Dealing with Overfertilization
Plants show signs of overfertilization shortly after application, within 2-5 days. Symptoms include leaf burns. Green shoots and young leaves darken and wilt. Leaves drop, and turn a different color.
Emergency repotting is necessary to address overfertilization. Instead of transplantation, clear the roots of old soil. Place them in room temperature water for hours before repotting them in fresh soil.
Recovery
After overfertilization, ensure the substrate is well moistened for the first 2-3 days. It’s OK to water a lot at first. The extra water will drain through the pot’s holes. Also, consider using anti-stress agents. Examples are “Circon” and “Epin-Extra.” They help the plant recover from bad conditions.
Understanding Growth Stimulants
Growth stimulants play a crucial role in promoting vigorous growth and flowering. They contain plant hormones, amino acids, vitamins, humic acids, and sugars. These boost metabolism and raise photosynthesis. But, it’s vital to use growth stimulants with mineral and organic fertilizers. They are not substitutes. Maintaining a balanced approach to plant nutrition is key.
Conclusion
Implementing the right fertilization strategy is key to nurturing thriving indoor plants. Understand their unique needs. Adjust care . This will ensure your green companions stay vibrant and healthy.
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