Tropical Houseplant Care – How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
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 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 amount of each element needed will of course depend on the species of plant. Too much is just as bad for the plant as too little, so it requires a bit of research to learn exactly what is right for your particular tropical plant. Usually this help is available by either reading the label, or by asking your plant-supply person.
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 can I tell if my plant is getting too little or too much fertilizer?
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 method is to use a solution of dry fertilizer in water. Carefully following the directions on the package should make it easy not to over-fertilize your plants. I thoroughly water each plant, until the solution begins to flow out of the drain holes in the bottom of the pot. I find that feeding my plants about every other month is fine – more frequently for blooming plants in season.
If you’re careful in fertilizing your house plants, they should not just survive, they’ll thrive. Don’t be shy about asking for advice at your local plant store. They should be glad to help.
Do you need more help with tropical houseplant care? Visit the author’s blog on tropical houseplants, where you can find help for your plants. I also have lots of beautiful photos, and some cool videos too. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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