Tropical Houseplant Care – How to Fertilize Your Houseplants
Your houseplants require both water and minerals for survival. Outdoor plants can usually pick up all the minerals they need from their surroundings without much help from the gardener. Indoor plants, however, need more attention, since nutrients in the potting soil need replenishment.
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 mineral does my plant need?
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 do I know if my plant is getting the right amount of these foods?
Insufficient fertilization can cause the plant leaves to turn pale, or not to grow as large as they should. This can be remedied by using a fertilizer solution, so that the plant can absorb nutrients faster. If plants are over-fertilized, the leaves may wilt or begin to turn brown at the tips. In this case, you should thoroughly soak the plant in water to rinse the excess minerals away.
How do I apply the fertilizer, and how often do I do it?
Personally, I prefer fertilizers that are dissolved in water, as this method is less likely to result in over-fertilization. I mix the fertilizer according to package directions, and then apply it by thoroughly watering the plant, until it flows out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. I find that doing this about every two months is usually just about right.
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 website on tropical houseplants, where you can find help for your plants. There are also a lot of beautiful photos, and some cool videos too. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.
