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Many people use fertilizers to make up for the nutrients of their poor soil and also to help give plants a boost right before it’s blooming and fruiting, but sometimes, it is quite hard to know how best to use this artificial manure on your plants.
Fertilizing is one important part of plant care, though, it can be confusing to know how to fertilize indoor plants and what kind of fertilizer to use.
However, if you are unaware… Then, you should relax and let’s walk you through everything that you need to know about the use of fertilizers and all other information.
Fertilize Indoor Plants: How Often & What To Use?
To take care of your indoor plants as well the soil, it is advised that you fertilize the plants every two weeks.
Though, it solely depends on the type of plant and the time of the year.
Plants that are actively growing during the spring and summer months may require more fertilizing frequently than any other seasonal plant such as those that are dormant during the winter months.
In addition, when you are trying to determine when it is right to fertilize your indoor plants, you need to consider the side effects of over-fertilizing which can do more harm than good.
By doing so, it will lead to plants being burnt or any other negative effects on plants.
That’s why before you embark on any fertilization on your plants, there is a need to seek the counsel of a gardening expert or you can read through the information embodied on the pack of the fertilizer.
Must Read: 8 Best Fertilizers for Citrus Trees [Organic + Synthetic – Reviews]
Factors To Consider When Determining How Often You Should Fertilize
There are some necessary factors that you must consider when deciding on how often you should fertilize your indoor plants which includes:
A. The Type And Size Of The Plant
Every plant has its own nutritional needs.
For instance, if you are growing plants that have larger or bigger flowers or fruits, or has a naturally grow in nutritional dense, then, it will require more frequent fertilization while on the other hand, if your plants are smaller or can naturally grow in poor or sandy soil, it will require less frequent fertilization.
B. The Type And Amount Of Soil
Soils that have a high density hold onto nutrients more than loose sandy soils. It also requires less frequent fertilization but in a case where there is a loser soil, it will require more frequent fertilization.
In a situation where there’s less soil in which will cause your plant to deplete the nutrients more quickly.
Then, you’ll need to fertilize it more often.
C. Season And Climate
Season and climate are the two important factors for plants.
Most plants usually go dormant during the winter. Since they aren’t growing, they don’t need fertilizer.
However, if you live in a warmer climate or if your home is well-heated, then this dormancy might be delayed or skipped entirely.
Plants that bloom or fruit use more nutrients while they grow these flowers or fruit.
That proves that there is a need for you to know what season your plant produces more. It will help you to plan your effective fertilization schedule.
D. The Type Of Fertilizers
There are different types of fertilizer that are suitable for every plant.
For instance, houseplants, mostly fertilizers, are liquid and slow-release.
Slow-release fertilizers stay in the soil, providing nutrients for a longer period of time while liquid fertilizers are mixed with water, which dilutes them, and are given more frequently.
Both fertilizers spread out the release of nutrients to avoid over-saturating the soil, but are applied with different frequencies.
What Type Of Fertilizer Is Best For Indoor Plants?
Indoor plants need fertilizer just like outdoor plants do.
However, because they are in a controlled environment, they usually have options in the type of fertilizer to use.
Mostly, indoor plants do best with a water-soluble fertilizer which is much higher in nitrogen than any other fertilizer.
So if you are into indoor gardening, it should be your best pick.
How To Fertilize Your Indoor Plants
Fertilizing your indoor plants are very important in keeping them healthy as well as the soil being rich enough to handle what is being sewed on it.
But there are ways of fertilizing your plants to avoid some damages which includes:
1. Fertilize your plants every two weeks.
Using a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, will help keep your plants healthy.
In addition, if you are using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content, you should fertilize your plants every week.
2. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant and be careful not to get any drop of it on the leaves.
3. Water the fertilizer with a host or watering kettle. By doing so, it will help the water to reach the root of the plants.
4. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, Do well to read the instructions that have been boldly written on the back of the pack.
5. Don’t over-fertilize your plants.
It can cause damages on the roots and leaves.
If you can follow this tip, you will be healthy and fast growing indoor plants.
Read Also: 9 FAQs About Applying Starter Fertilizer To Your Lawn
The Importance Of Fertilizing Your Indoor Plants
Fertilizing your indoor plants is crucial because it helps to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
Without these nutrients, your plants will not be able to grow properly and may even die.
There are three main nutrients that plants need which include: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen is important for the growth of leaves and green parts of the plant.
Phosphorus is important for the growth of roots and flowers. Potassium is important for the overall health of the plant.
These nutrients can be found in many different types of fertilizer.
So, it is important that you carefully choose the right fertilizer for your plants, depending on what they need.
You must also consider the pH level of the fertilizer in question. This is the measure that checks how acidic or basic that the soil is.
Different plants prefer different pH levels.
So to test the pH level, you will need to get a pH level test kit.
In addition, You will also need to consider the size of your plants when fertilizing them.
Smaller plants usually need less fertilizer than larger plants. You should also fertilize your plants more often if they are growing quickly.
FAQs
1. How Do I Know When To Fertilize My Indoor Plants?
A rule of thumb says to fertilize only when your houseplants are actively growing.
Feeding them while they’re dormant can burn their foliage or even kill them.
2. How Often Should You Add Fertilizer To Your Indoor Plants?
When using fertilizers formulated for houseplants, mix at the concentration outlined on the label.
The frequency of application depends upon the product and varies from every 2 weeks to once every 3 to 4 months.
Carefully read and follow label directions. Fertilize only when houseplants are actively growing.
3. How Often Should I Fertilize My Potted Plants?
You should do so every two to three weeks.
However, you should commence fertilizing your container plants twice a week.
Fertilize your houseplants once a week.
Feed the plants in your garden every two to three weeks. Fertilize your landscape plants once a month.
4. What Happens If You Don’t Fertilize Your Houseplants?
If you’re not fertilizing your plants, they likely won’t grow as well or bloom as much as you want.
Beyond sunlight and water, all plants require certain nutrients to thrive, and if you don’t occasionally replenish their supply, they can end up having health issues.
5. What Happens If You Put Too Much Fertilizer In The Houseplants?
Too much fertilizer can burn or desiccate roots, ultimately killing the plant.
Too much fertilizer can also be harmful to the environment.
But, fertilizers do a lot of good by providing macro and micronutrients that enhance the health and performance of plants.
6. Should I Fertilize My Plants Every Time That I Water My Plants?
Fertilize the plant regularly so that even if you use a potting mix with a slow-release fertilizer, repeated watering can leach nutrients over time.
Conclusion
Remember that healthy plants don’t need as much fertilizer as unhealthy plants. So, If your plants are looking good, you can cut back on the fertilizer.
There are different varieties of products available in the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is right for your plants and strictly follow the directions on the label.
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