- Fertilize - no need
- Suitable fertilizers for the umbrella fir
- When should you fertilize?
- Yellow and Brown Needles - Signs of Nutrient Deficiency?
The umbrella fir - this exotic looking conifer from Asia is on the Red List of endangered plant species. If that isn't a good reason to take good care of him, then perhaps his beautiful appearance is. What must be considered when fertilizing?
The umbrella fir is happy about a little compost as fertilizer
Fertilize - no need
You do not necessarily have to fertilize this flat-rooted plant. But fertilizing has several advantages:
- better, faster growth
- increases resistance to diseases and pests
- more flowers and thus more exceptionally decorative cone fruits
In any case, you should fertilize your umbrella fir if its growth has changed for the worse. Even if the needles suddenly turn yellow, fertilization makes sense. Umbrella firs basically need nutrient-rich soil to thrive.
Suitable fertilizers for the umbrella fir
A full fertilizer should be used, because the umbrella fir not only needs nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. She also values trace elements like iron and zinc. It is also important to use lime-free fertilizers, as the umbrella fir prefers acidic soil. For example, use:
- mature compost
- nettle manure
- a special long-term fertilizer for fir trees
When should you fertilize?
The first application of fertilizer of the year should not take place before March. It is best if you fertilize first in April. Then the vegetation phase of the umbrella fir really begins. Fertilize sparingly at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. Care should be taken to fertilize potted plants more frequently than outdoor plants and to water them extensively after fertilizing.
Yellow and Brown Needles - Signs of Nutrient Deficiency?
Anyone who sooner or later notices that the needles of their umbrella fir are turning yellow or brown should question whether they are fertilizing or not. In most cases, yellow to brown needles indicate a lack of nutrients in addition to dryness. The brown parts no longer recover. You can cut them off.
tips
Young umbrella firs are happy about a gift of Epsom salt. The Epsom salt makes them less sensitive to frost in winter.