Keep your houseplants thriving with these simple fertilizing tips.
Here’swhen and how to fertilize indoor plantsso you’re able to keep everything green and growing.
Types of Fertilizers for Indoor Plants
There aretwo primary types of fertilizersto consider: synthetic and organic.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
It is often said that synthetic fertilizers feed the plant while organic fertilizers feed the soil.
Dean Schoeppner
Synthetic
Synthetic fertilizers are produced from ammonia, natural gas, and various mineral sources.
As with all fertilizers, always follow the mixing instructions on the product label.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Uncontrolled runoff can cause environmental harm, and care should be taken to avoid excess use.
Organic
Organic fertilizers are derived from natural ingredients that may or may not be organically sourced themselves.
Acidifying Fertilizers
A sub-throw in of fertilizer that is worth mentioning is soil-acidifying fertilizers.
These are usuallybut not alwayssynthetic fertilizers that contain the same kinds of macronutrients and micronutrients found in other fertilizers.
However, they also contain soil-acidifying ingredients to promote proper growth in plants thatrequire acidic soils.
Unless your plants specifically require acidic soils, it is best to avoid using these products.
Many plants grow in cycles in their natural environments.
When plants are under stress, or going through dormancy, they grow slower and require fewer nutrients.
Fertilizing dormant plants can be detrimental to their health by inundating them with nutrients they are unable to use.
This over-fertilizing can lead plants to become sickly or dieespecially when they are young or already weak.
To play it safe,only fertilize plants when they are actively growing or flowering.
These slow-release fertilizers are great long-term feeders, but they require moisture to work effectively.
Between feedings, it is important towater plants thoroughlyto avoid a buildup of minerals in and around the roots.
Ensure all the plant containers have holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.
Once you get the hang of it, the process becomes second nature.
Always follow the directions on your fertilizer package for proper program rates.
