Nutrients are essential for plants to live. They absorb them from the substrate via the roots, but are only available to a limited extent in a pot culture. That is why indoor plants like Zamioculcas zamiifolia depend on a regular and correct supply of fertilizer
The Zamioculcas mainly needs nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
Types and forms of fertilizers - advantages and disadvantages
Zamioculcas needs a colorful mix of nutrients to grow and thrive. The leafy plant needs the main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in large quantities. Other nutrients such as iron or manganese, on the other hand, are only required in smaller doses. They are also referred to as trace elements. These nutrients must be in a balanced ratio to each other, otherwise growth disorders can occur. Foliage plants like Zamioculcas need a good green plant fertilizer that preferably supports leaf growth. You can either use short-term or long-term fertilizers:
- With the short-term mineral fertilizers, the nutrients can be absorbed by the plants immediately, but are also quickly used up. Therefore, such fertilizers must be added at regular intervals, which applies to most liquid fertilizers. These are added to the irrigation water and quickly reach the roots.
- With slow-release fertilizers, the nutrients only become available to the plants gradually, but for a longer period of time. Their advantage is that they rarely need to be fertilized. They are usually administered as granules to be mixed into the substrate or as easy-to-use fertilizer sticks (€4.48) or drops that you simply press into the soil.
Dose and fertilize correctly
The lucky feather is optimally supplied with a liquid complete fertilizer for green plants or a corresponding long-term fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer should be given about every four weeks. When it comes to dosing, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly and it is better to mix the fertilizer solution too weakly than too heavily. Stick to the proven rule that it is better to fertilize frequently and sparingly than rarely in high concentrations. Always apply the fertilizer only to the substrate, accidentally splashing onto the leaves should be rinsed off immediately with plenty of clear water.
When is it better not to fertilize
Sometimes fertilization does more harm than good. Freshly repotted plants, for example, only receive the first dose of fertilizer after six to eight weeks - at the earliest. Until then, they feed on the supplies available in the fresh substrate. Plants that are diseased or infested with pests are also not fertilized. Only when they are healthy again, gradually increase the amount of fertilizer. Fresh cuttings also remain unfertilized, as they cannot absorb any nutrients anyway. Even in winter there is no fertilization.
tips
In the event of over-fertilization, unpot the Glücksfeder, remove as much of the over-fertilized soil as possible and then place the plant back in fresh substrate.