Dec 07 2009
Tropical House Plant Care – Fertilizing Your House Plants
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 do those numbers on the fertilizer bag mean?
The key elements required for plants are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). A fertilizer bag shows the percentages of these three nutrients as three numbers, always given in the same order. An example: an 18-6-12 label means that the bag contains 18% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus, and 12% potassium, usually in the form of nitrates, phosphates, and potassium salts. Other nutrients are also needed, but their required amounts are much lower.
How much of each mineral does my plant need?
This of course depends on what type of plant you are fertilizing. It is very important not to give your plant too much or too little food. This is a decision that must be made for each individual plant. You should carefully read both the label that came with your plant if there is one, and the label on the bag of fertilizer. If you’re still not sure, ask the person at the plant store for advice.
What is the function of each of the primary nutrients?
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 do I apply the fertilizer, and how often do I do it?
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.
By being careful in fertilizing houseplants, you can make sure that they not only survive, but thrive. And be sure to take advantage of your plant-supplier. He should be happy to give you advice on how to keep your tropical houseplants healthy.
Do you need more advice on tropical houseplant care? Visit the Professor’s blog on tropical houseplants, where you can get help with your plants. I also have a lot of beautiful pictures, and some neat videos too. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
