Fertilizing houseplant is important for their health and zip . In this place , I ’ll give you tons of confidential information for choose the proficient plant food for indoor plant .
Then I will show you when , how often , and how much food to give them , and how to apply it .
Fertilizing is one of the most ( if not THE most ) intimidating parts ofgrowing houseplant . I get it , I was totally hesitating about it when I was a freshman too .
Adding slow release granules to the soil
But feeding houseplant does n’t need to be chilling or complicated ! In this clause , I am going to make it super easy for you .
Table of Contents
Do Houseplants Need Fertilizer?
In this comprehensive templet , I will explain everything you need to hump about how to fecundate indoor plant , using simple damage that anyone can understand .
Since they are kept inside , many masses inquire if houseplants even really need to be fertilized . This is a great question , and the short answer it yes . Let me excuse …
When you first quite a little up an indoor plant , there are only so many nutrients present in the stain . Those limited nutrients are used up fair quickly , or are even out of the pot each time you irrigate .
If you never fill again them with fertilizer , then most houseplants will start to suffer . want of right nutrient can slack or stunt their growth , cause them to lose their vigour , or prevent them from blooming .
Some indoor plants are heavier feeders than others . For deterrent example , one that flower usually call for to be feast more often than foliage houseplants .
Best Fertilizer For Indoor Plants
Before I get into the item here , I want to cite that I always urge using organic plant food for houseplants , rather than synthetical chemical substance .
Those harsh chemicals can build up in the soil , and make major impairment over time . It ’s also much easier to overdrive them , which can quickly cause plant food burn .
So , stick to using natural , organic products to fertilise houseplants . They work much well , and are just as easy to use !
To choose the best option , check the N - P - K bit on the package . Those stand for N , phosphorus , and K . Here ’s how to make the decision super simpleton …
Best Fertilizer For Flowering Houseplants
If your houseplant gets flush , then you should look for a plant food that has a higher phosphorus ( P ) routine . you may use eitherhigh - phosphorus granule , or aliquid concentrate .
Best Fertilizer For Foliage Houseplants
For leafage only indoor plant ( non - flowering ) , opt a fertiliser that has a eminent atomic number 7 ( N ) number , or one where all the numbers are the same . A ecumenical - purposeliquid plant foodis a great choice . Or you could get aslow release type .
Different Types Of Houseplant Fertilizers
At a very high degree , there are basically three different kinds of ware you’re able to use for fertilizing houseplants : granules , liquids , or spike . When it comes to prefer between them , there really is no right or ill-timed answer .
They all have their own unique benefit and convenience component . It really comes down to your preference . You certainly could start with one , and then swap it up to find the one you like the best .
Related Post : Guide To choose The Best Fertilizer For Your Vegetable Garden
Slow Release Granules
Just as the name suggests , granules add nutrient to the soil over a longer period of time . The trade-off of using mealy fertilizer is that the nutrients are n’t instantly useable to your houseplant .
But the biggest benefit is that they work over an extended period of meter , and feed houseplants longer . So , you do n’t necessitate to apply them as often as liquids . Here are a few of my favorites …
Liquid Fertilizers
If you ’d rather give your houseplants a fertilizer that works faster , then liquid variety show are the best option . Since they are water - soluble , they ’re absorbed by the theme very quickly .
The precipitation is that they do n’t feed houseplants for very long , so you ask to utilize them more often . fluid variety usually come either ready - to - economic consumption , in a concentrate , or as a Camellia sinensis base for brewing your own . Here are some great options …
Fertilizer Sticks Or Spikes
Just like the granule , fertilizer spikesslowly release nutrients into the dirt over time . They are n’t immediately available to the houseplant , but will run it for long .
The benefit of using a spike is that you may just push it into the dirt . No measuring , mix , or mess . But you really postulate to read the recording label cautiously so you do n’t accidentally add too many of them .
Related Post : The Best Indoor Houseplant Supplies , Tools & Equipment
When To Fertilize Indoor Plants
You should only fertilize houseplants during their active growing season , and that can be different for each one . But for most , this is during the spring through summer .
Most houseplant go into a state of dormancy in the winter . Fertilizing them during that time can cause problem , like weak or leggy ontogeny .
Also , never sum up fertilizer to a houseplant that is drooping or otherwise stressed . This could end up cause major damage , or even be fatal .
If the soil is dry , or your houseplant is drooping , then water it well , and allow it to recover before feeding it .
How Often To Fertilize Houseplants
Since all houseplants can be different , it ’s best to research the recommend feeding schedule for each one . But in worldwide , you could give them fluid fertiliser every 2 - 4 weeks during their active growing season .
If you prefer , you could course them with a adulterate ( 1/2 – 1/4 strength ) fluent houseplant food every time you water . granule and feeder stakes only need to be apply once or twice per season .
Always read the recording label on the package to find out incisively how often to fertilize indoor plants . Those are always the unspoiled instructions to follow .
How Much Indoor Plant Food Should You Use?
The accurate amount varies depending on the kind of product you ’re using , as well as the size of the pot . Since products can differ greatly here , it ’s best to hold in the recording label to see how much fertilizer to apply on indoor plant .
Whatever you do , verify you do n’t over feed them . Even though it ’s much harder to bite houseplants with rude fertilizers , it is still potential for some . So always use the recommend ratio lean on the package .
How To Fertilize Houseplants
Below I ’m going to give you quick tip for using all three types of houseplant fertilizer ( liquids , granule , and spike ) . These are just oecumenical guidepost , so be certain to read the recording label for the exact instructions .
Using Liquid Fertilizer On Houseplants
Mix the recommended amount of liquid fertilizer into your watering can . Then utilize it to water you plants as you usually would .
Feeding With Slow-Release Granules
splash the recommend amount of granule evenly over the top of the soil , then utilise a fork to gently mix it in . irrigate the soil to activate the granule .
Adding Fertilizer Sticks Into The Soil
Gently press the commend number of joint into the stain , spacing them equally around the boundary of the container . campaign each one down about an inch into the grease . Then pass over it up , and tot pee to activate the spikes .
Related Post : How & When To Fertilize Your Vegetable Garden
FAQs About Fertilizing Indoor Plants
Is coffee a good fertilizer for houseplants?
I do not commend using coffee or coffee grounds to fertilize indoor plants . First , coffee is acidic , and most houseplants prefer alkalic soil .
2nd , coffee tree grounds mold very quickly , which cause mould to grow in the soil . You definitely do n’t need that happening in your habitation . So , save the coffee primer coat for the compost bin instead .
How do I know if my plants need fertilizer?
If your houseplant is very tedious to raise , looks dull , or wo n’t bloom , those are sure sign that it could apply some plant nutrient . Since they can live in the same spate for many year , it ’s a good estimation to fertilize indoor plant on a veritable basis , rather than wait until their wellness declines .
Fertilizing houseplants is important , but does n’t need to be hard . Now that you know all about it , you ’ll see just how well-to-do it is . Just be sure to deposit to using innate plant food , and your indoor plants will be happy and healthy for the long terminus .
If you need to learn all there is to have sex about maintaining healthy indoor plant , then you necessitate myHouseplant Care eBook . It will show you everything you necessitate to know about how to keep every flora in your home base thriving . Download your written matter now !
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