Fertilizer Tips
It appears that everyone has similar questions: what about lighting, how much water, and do I need to fertilize my plants?
In a previous post, we talked about lighting and how to deal with a low-light area, in this blog we will go over how to fertilize your plants and when is the best time to do so. Fertilization can sound scary, but with the right products, this does not have to be the case!
Types of Fertilizers
There are different types of fertilizers, and they all are going to have three different numbers on the front. These are the N-P-K units, they may be something like 3-2-1, 3-12-6, or the one that I use on all of my tropical plants a 9-3-6. These numbers do have meaning so it is important to have a general knowledge of what they stand for.
The first number is for Nitrogen, which is an extremely important mineral that plants need to produce new leaves. The more Nitrogen in the fertilizer the more the plant will grow given that it has enough light and water. The second number is phosphorus, this mineral will make the flower bloom. This mineral is important when dealing with flowering house plants or even when working with your flowers outside. The last number is for potassium, which helps the plant with water, mineral, and carbon movements. Having a good mixture of these three will help keep your plants growing and thriving!
When and How to Fertilize
Fertilizing goes hand-in-hand with lighting. The more light a plant has, the more energy it will make and the more nutrients the plant will need to grow. If you have a plant in a dark corner, it will not need fertilizer as often as a plant that is in a bright window. Every fertilizer is different when it calls for amounts and how often you should add it to your water, so make sure you read the back for instructions. Most fertilizers will be added to water, this helps with a more consistent mixture and dilutes the fertilizer. Adding fertilizer straight to your plants can burn the roots and lead to the death of the plant.
Often we are recommended not to fertilize during the winter months, about November to April. During this time plants do not grow as much because of the decreased sunlight, but if your plants are still producing new leaves it is okay if you still add it to your water. Fertilizing is vital to the health and growth of your plants, so it is important to stay on top of it. If you have not fertilized your plant, that is okay just be sure not to give the full amount at one time and start with a lesser dosage. This is one area where more is not better! When starting a fertilizer take small steps and up the dosage after the plant has gotten used to the new nutrients in the soil.
If you have any questions do not be afraid to reach out and DM us on Instagram, we are always very happy to help!
Hey I’m Andrew
I am the Brand Manager here at Thriving Botanicals. I got into house plants back in 2020, and have never looked back. I love helping people understand their plants better, so please reach out if you have any questions or just want some advice about what is going on.
