In order to survive, your houseplants need two kinds of nourishment. We discussed one of these, water, in Part II of this series. They also need minerals. When a plant is outdoors, it can usually get enough minerals from its surroundings all by itself. But houseplants need more attention - the nutrients available to them indoors must be provided by the gardener.
What are those three numbers on the bag of fertilizer?
Fertilizers contain the key elements needed: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in varying proportions. The numbers given on a bag of fertilizer show the relative amounts of these three elements. For example, an 18-6-12 fertilizer contains 18% N, 6% P2O5, and 12% K2O. Other elements are also necessary, but in much lower amounts.
How much of each element should I use for my plants?
The answer to that question depends on what variety of plant you're fertilizing. You should be careful to neither over- or under-fertilize. To decide what's right for your particular tropical plant requires some research. Read the label that came with your plant when you bought it, and the label on the bag of fertilizer. If you're still confused, the plant store should be happy to help you out.
What does each of the minerals do?
This is a subject of continuing research by scientists. To oversimplify a bit, we can say that leafy plants need lots of nitrogen, whereas flowering varieties require more phosphorus. Potassium is useful in combating plant diseases, and is also needed by fruit-bearing plants as an aid in transporting other minerals through plant tissue.
How do I know if my plant is getting the right amount of these foods?
A nutrient deficiency will often cause the leaves to lose color, or to be smaller than normal. To help the plant recover, use a soluble fertilizer, so the nutrients can be absorbed faster. Too much fertilizer can result in brown leaf tips, or in wilting. This condition is easily relieved by soaking the whole pot in water to allow the excess nutrients to be washed away.
How and when do I apply fertilizer?
My personal preference is to use "liquid" fertilizers, since that makes it more difficult to over-fertilize. Dry fertilizer is dissolved in water using the directions given on the package. Then the plants are soaked by pouring the solution into the pot until it begins to flow out the holes in the bottom. I do this every two months - a bit more frequently during the blooming season.
If you use care in feeding your house plants, they will not only stay alive, they'll become luxuriant. And don't forget to ask for advice if you're having difficulties. Your plant store should be happy to help a good customer.
What are those three numbers on the bag of fertilizer?
Fertilizers contain the key elements needed: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in varying proportions. The numbers given on a bag of fertilizer show the relative amounts of these three elements. For example, an 18-6-12 fertilizer contains 18% N, 6% P2O5, and 12% K2O. Other elements are also necessary, but in much lower amounts.
How much of each element should I use for my plants?
The answer to that question depends on what variety of plant you're fertilizing. You should be careful to neither over- or under-fertilize. To decide what's right for your particular tropical plant requires some research. Read the label that came with your plant when you bought it, and the label on the bag of fertilizer. If you're still confused, the plant store should be happy to help you out.
What does each of the minerals do?
This is a subject of continuing research by scientists. To oversimplify a bit, we can say that leafy plants need lots of nitrogen, whereas flowering varieties require more phosphorus. Potassium is useful in combating plant diseases, and is also needed by fruit-bearing plants as an aid in transporting other minerals through plant tissue.
How do I know if my plant is getting the right amount of these foods?
A nutrient deficiency will often cause the leaves to lose color, or to be smaller than normal. To help the plant recover, use a soluble fertilizer, so the nutrients can be absorbed faster. Too much fertilizer can result in brown leaf tips, or in wilting. This condition is easily relieved by soaking the whole pot in water to allow the excess nutrients to be washed away.
How and when do I apply fertilizer?
My personal preference is to use "liquid" fertilizers, since that makes it more difficult to over-fertilize. Dry fertilizer is dissolved in water using the directions given on the package. Then the plants are soaked by pouring the solution into the pot until it begins to flow out the holes in the bottom. I do this every two months - a bit more frequently during the blooming season.
If you use care in feeding your house plants, they will not only stay alive, they'll become luxuriant. And don't forget to ask for advice if you're having difficulties. Your plant store should be happy to help a good customer.
About the Author:
Do you need more advice on tropical houseplant care? Visit the author's blog on tropical houseplants, where you can get help with your plants. There are also a lot of beautiful photos, and some neat videos too.
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