Plants do not live on water and carbon dioxide alone. They also need nutrients. Even if the nutrient dosage is minimal, you can quickly see nutrient deficiencies: leaves discolor and the plant stunted.
Here are the four most important rhododendron fertilizers
- Mineral fertilizer Blaukorn Entec
- Organic complete fertilizer
- horn shavings
- cattle manure
First test then fertilize
Before fertilizing, first test the pH value of the soil using universal indicator paper. In this way you prevent over-fertilization and know whether more or less rhododendron fertilizer is needed.
Mineral fertilizer or organic fertilizer?
As shallow roots, rhododendrons cannot use nutrients from deeper soil layers. If they are to bloom profusely, they must be properly nourished. The combination of complete mineral fertilizers such as Blaukorn Entec and an organic fertilizer has proven to be best. The blue grain works for two to three months. The amount depends on the plant size. In addition to the complete fertilizer, loosely distribute the same amount of coarse horn shavings (32.93€) under the plants. The coarser the horn shavings, the longer they work. Also mix in kieserite to secure the magnesium supply. Since rhododendrons are very sensitive to salt, fertilizers containing chloride should be avoided or rarely used. Older rhododendrons can be fertilized with matured, well-rotted cattle manure. Since rainwater quickly washes out the cattle manure, you should not do without the mineral fertilizer.
Artificial fertilizer blue grain - use and dosage
When using blue grain in the garden, care should be taken not to over-fertilize the rhododendron. Distribute blue seed in small pinches under the ornamental shrub on the soil, as the nutrients and salts are concentrated in the soil area. Use blueseed as a fertilizer during the spring growth and vegetation period. In the growth phase, the plants convert and utilize the minerals more quickly. Water the plants well so that the salts dissolve and are transported via the roots. Or put the blue grain balls directly into the irrigation water. A quantity of 5 grams per 10 liters of water is sufficient for fertilization during the growth phase. Do not treat young plants with blue grain. The delicate roots are quickly attacked and the plants die.
Rhododendron substrate
This special soil with a low pH value is specially tailored to the needs of popular ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons. Enriched with fertilizer, it supplies the plants with nutrients for up to three months. Including additional iron for green, robust leaves and more flowers. Place the plant in the center of the planting hole. Make sure the roots can spread. Fill in the planting hole with rhododendron substrate. Now tap the soil and water - done.
tips and tricks
Use organic fertilizers in the garden whenever possible. With this you only recycle the nutrients that are already present in the nutrient cycle. Only use mineral fertilizers if your rhododendron is suffering from an acute lack of nutrients and needs more care. When fertilizing, it is important to adhere to the exact quantities specified by the manufacturer, which can vary.