Fertilizing indoor plants is one of the most difficult measures, where the most common mistakes sometimes happen. To make matters worse, each plant species has its own individual nutrient requirements. Nevertheless, there are some strategies that you can use as a guide. Check out this article for tips and tricks.
Houseplants also like coffee
The right time
No houseplant can survive without nutrients. However, how quickly it utilizes the available minerals from the earth is entirely individual. So-called heavy feeders have a particularly high need and are dependent on frequent fertilization. Slow-growing cacti, on the other hand, also develop in potting soil that has not been fertilized for years. A general recommendation for the intervals between two fertilizer applications can therefore not be given. In principle, however, the substrate should be refreshed more often or the houseplant should be repotted without fertilizer. You can ask your tree nursery for more detailed information or take the care instructions from the plant label.
Observe growth phases and rest periods
Most houseplants withdraw their energy indoors during the winter and do not develop new shoots. Accordingly, their nutritional requirements decrease. Stop fertilizing as soon as your houseplant moves into its winter quarters. From March you can continue as usual.
Note: Only indoor plants that bloom in winter (e.g. the poinsettia) still need to be supplied with nutrients.
Choice of fertilizer
Fertilizers are available in various dosage forms in specialist shops:
- granules
- liquid fertilizer
- rod
- or powder
Which variant you choose is entirely up to you. The composition of the nutrients is much more important. Here you have to respond to the individual needs of the respective plant species. The most important nutrients are:
- Potassium (for strong roots)
- Phosphorus (for a lush bloom)
- as well as nitrogen
alternatives
Fertilizer from the specialist trade is too expensive for you or uncertain? Enrich the substrate with your own resources. Organic material could be made for example
- coffee grounds
- compost
- wood ash
- or eggshells
exist.
Coffee grounds are great for plants that prefer acidic soil. However, since it changes the pH of the soil, it is not suitable as a permanent alternative and should only be used occasionally.
Egg shells produce an opposite effect. They contain a lot of lime and thus raise the pH value of the soil.
Wood ash is just as rich in lime and also provides valuable potassium. If your houseplants are suffering from fungal diseases or rot, the ash can help them heal.
dosage
Over-fertilizing houseplants is even more harmful than not having enough minerals in the soil. Too much of a good thing can even cause leaf diseases that ultimately lead to the death of the plant. Succulents and orchids are particularly sensitive due to their low nutrient requirements. It is best to always use the information on the plant label as a guide. Here is how often you should fertilize your plant.