Houseplants, as an important part of indoor decoration, not only beautify the environment but also purify the air. To ensure the robust growth of houseplants, proper fertilization is essential. What kind of fertilizer should be used for houseplants? This article will reveal the guidelines for choosing plant fertilizers.
Understanding the Basic Types of Plant Fertilizers1. Organic Fertilizers: Organic fertilizers come from animal and plant remains, excrement, etc., such as chicken manure, cow dung, and wood ash. Organic fertilizers are rich in nutrients needed by plants and can improve soil structure and enhance soil fertility.
2. Inorganic Fertilizers: Inorganic fertilizers mainly come from minerals, such as ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, potassium chloride, etc. Inorganic fertilizers have a single nutritional component but take effect quickly, making them suitable for the early growth stage of plants.
3. Compound Fertilizers: Compound fertilizers are mixtures of multiple nutrients in a certain proportion, such as NPK compound fertilizers. Compound fertilizers provide comprehensive nutrition and are convenient to use.
What Fertilizer to Use for Houseplants1. Leafy plants like pothos,Tradescantia zebrina, and lucky bamboo: These plants require more fertilizer and are suitable for applying NPK compound fertilizers. During the vigorous growth period, applying once a month helps leaf growth.
2. Flowering plants like violet and rose: These plants also require more fertilizer and need to be fertilized with phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers. During the vigorous growth period, applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers once a month helps the flowers bloom.
3. Succulent plants: Succulent plants have lower fertilizer requirements, and excessive fertilization can lead to plant elongation. During the vigorous growth period, applying a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once a month is sufficient.
4.甲醛-absorbing plants like Tradescantia zebrina and pothos: These plants do not require much fertilizer and should be fertilized moderately. During the vigorous growth period, applying NPK compound fertilizers once a month helps enhance their air purification ability.
Fertilizing Precautions1. Fertilizer Amount: According to the plant's growth stage and fertilizer type, the fertilizer amount should be controlled reasonably. Excessive fertilization can lead to poor plant growth or even death.
2. Fertilizing Time: Fertilizing is generally done during the plant's vigorous growth periods, such as spring and summer, and should be avoided in winter to prevent affecting plant growth.
3. Fertilizing Method: Depending on the plant type and fertilizer type, an appropriate fertilizing method should be chosen, such as foliar spray or root fertilization.
4. Fertilizing Frequency: According to the plant's growth needs and fertilizer type, the fertilizing frequency should be controlled reasonably to avoid frequent fertilization, which can cause soil compaction.
What fertilizer to use for houseplants should be chosen based on the plant type, growth stage, and fertilizer type. Proper fertilization helps plants grow robustly and improves indoor air quality. We hope this article provides useful references for your houseplant fertilization.
References:
Plant Fertilizer Science, China Agricultural Publishing House, 2018 Edition.
Indoor Plant Maintenance Manual, China Forestry Publishing House, 2017 Edition.