You have beautiful, big, radiant plants. Everything is going well, but at some point you start to notice that your plant looks a little sparse, the leaves have fallen off, it's kind of sad, yellow and it doesn't flower or grow or anything.
It is very possible that your plant has a nutrient problem and no, your Calathea does not have anemia, it just needs a little fertilizer.
Does my plant need fertilizer?
Plants are incredible living beings, capable of generating their own food using water, sunlight and the nutrients in the substrate. When the plants are outside, the substrate is progressively enriched by rain and other factors; But when it comes to potted houseplants, it's common for the substrate to fall short of meeting the plants' nutritional requirements.
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If the plant
is in an impoverished substrate, you will start to notice that the plant looks saggy, does not grow, does not flower, loses leaves and looks a little sparse.
But this is not the only time you should use fertilizers, you don't have to go to this extreme. You can use fertilizers when:
- The plant is in the growing season. Almost all houseplants grow and develop more in the spring and summer months, but this varies by species. Check your Be.Green care sheet or our website.
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- The roots of the plant have taken over all the substrate. It happens that when they require a transplant, many plants form a large network of roots that occupy the entire root ball of substrate in the pot. At that point it is urgent to change it to a larger pot and complement the change with a little fertilizer.
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- Low temperatures are coming. In autumn, a final cycle of fertilizer should be applied, so that the plant prepares for the arrival of winter and can survive it successfully.
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Not all of them are the same: types
of fertilizers andfertilizers Fertilizers or fertilizers are products loaded with nutrients that will be responsible for enriching the substrate where the plant is planted, improving its quality and improving the development of the plants by offering everything it needs to grow. While there are those who use the word fertilizer and fertilizer synonymously, there are those who make the distinction that fertilizers are inorganic compounds and fertilizers have an organic origin.
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There are many types of fertilizers and fertilizers on the market. There is universal fertilizer for houseplants, while others are very specific to certain types of plants. Most of these fertilizers are made up of the main nutrients, which are:
- Nitrogen: stimulates plant growth, makes plants bushy, and creates juicy shoots. It should be avoided in winter, because it increases sensitivity to cold.
- Phosphorus: contributes to root development, stimulates the production of flowers and fruits, as well as resistant stems.
- Potassium: This chemical compound offers disease resistance and balances nitrogen, as well as protecting plants from extreme temperatures.
In addition to these nutrients, iron, calcium, sulfur and magnesium are also required. Almost all fertilizers offer a balanced mix of these nutrients, adapting to the requirements of each plant. There are species that require more iron, others prefer more acidic soils, while others need nitrogen.
How to use fertilizers?
- Before
to feed your little green army, you should know that you need a fertilizer that is suitable for the particular needs of the plant species you have. There are universal fertilizers for houseplants, others for succulents and cacti, among others.
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- Water first
Do not apply the fertilizer to dry soil. Water first, without waterlogging, wait an hour and apply the fertilizer. The water will help dissolve the nutrients and carry them to the roots.
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- It
seems like an obvious thing, but many plants have died of overfeeding because people don't read the packaging and don't pay attention to the measurements and methods of application. Read the instructions carefully and follow the instructions exactly, especially when it comes to quantity and frequency.
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- Liquid, grain, or bars?
You can find liquid fertilizers, which need to be mixed with water and watered the plant. Others are granular and need to be watered in the substrate and mixed a little. My favorites are slow-release or long-release fertilizers. They come in the form of bars or tablets that are inserted into a small hole near the substrate and release their nutrients every time you water. They last longer and because they are gradual acting, it is easier to use the controlled dose.
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- An
excess of nutrients won't make your plant look prettier, grow faster, or have more flowers. Too much fertilizer can burn your roots, stall growth, and even kill your plant. So don't go all the way to the top, in this case it's better to miss a little bit than to have leftovers.
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