There are many brands of fertilizers available for houseplants. It’s essential to choose a fertilizer that suits the specific types of plants you have in your home. You can use a liquid fertilizer or a time-release product that will gradually nourish your plants. When you select the right fertilizer and use it properly, your houseplants will thrive.
It’s important for your houseplants to have the proper nutrients for growth. There are thirteen essential elements for plants to grow. Macronutrients are the most critical for your plants, while the other elements are known as micronutrients. Although micronutrients are less critical for overall plant health, they are still important.
Choosing a Fertilizer for Houseplants
The type of fertilizer needed varies among plants. This information may be included in the care instructions, but often it is not. Consider the type of plant you’re feeding when selecting a fertilizer. Most flowering plants grow best with a fertilizer high in phosphorus, while foliage plants tend to thrive with higher nitrogen concentrations. You can research online or in books to find the best nutrients for your plants.
A good complete fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are indicated by NPK ratings. The “N” stands for nitrogen, the “P” for phosphorus, and the “K” for potassium oxide. For example, if the fertilizer is labeled 15-30-15, it contains 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphorus, and 15% potassium.
Types of Fertilizers
Fertilizers come in many forms, including water-soluble powders, liquids, time-release pellets, water-soluble pellets, tablets, and sticks. Liquid and water-soluble varieties should be diluted in water before use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for dilution. Afterward, apply the fertilizer to the plant according to the directions. Tablets, time-release pellets, and sticks are placed into the soil and gradually release nutrients over time.
How to Use Fertilizers
Your houseplants may come with care instructions, often printed on plastic stakes inside the pot. However, this is not always the case. If there are specific instructions for fertilizing your plant, follow them carefully. If not, you can ask at the nursery or garden center, or look up care information online or in books. In general, houseplants should be fertilized every two to three months. Choose a fertilizer that provides the necessary nutrients for your plant’s needs and follow the instructions for proper application.
Fertilizer is most effective when used during growth periods, which for most houseplants is between March and October. Like outdoor plants, houseplants go through an inactive period during the winter months, when light levels are lower and temperatures are cooler. This is not the best time to apply fertilizer, as the plant won’t be able to utilize it as it would during the active growth phase.
Fertilizer should be applied to moist soil, not when it is too dry. If the soil is too dry, there’s a greater risk of over-fertilizing the plant, which can lead to root damage. Water the plant first, and once the soil is moist, you can apply the fertilizer. This will prevent root damage, which could hinder growth or even kill the plant.
Be careful not to use too much fertilizer. You can tell if you’ve over-fertilized by looking at the plant. Houseplants that receive too much fertilizer often display brown leaves, white dust on the pots, and wilting foliage. To help the plant rid itself of excess fertilizer, give it extra water. This will flush out the salts from the fertilizer. Place the plant in a sink to allow the water to drain without creating a mess in your home. Use plenty of water until it runs freely from the bottom of the pot.
In addition to proper fertilization, providing good care is crucial for your plants. Houseplants do best in stable indoor temperatures. Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants require consistent warmth. At night, avoid letting the temperature drop below 65°F. Daytime temperatures should range from 70°F to 80°F. Plants also need some sunlight to grow properly. The amount of light required depends on the plant type, but in general, it’s best to place plants near a window, away from direct sunlight.
