What kind of fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer?
The editor brings you the explanation of what fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer for green plants and flowers. Let's learn about it together next.
I posted a casual photo of spraying foliar fertilizer the day before yesterday, and then saw many flower friends' comments asking what fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer? They asked about the formula of the foliar fertilizer, how often to spray it, and the issue of the foliage not easily getting stained with fertilizer during spraying. So today, I'll talk in detail about how I spray foliar fertilizer, for your reference.
I. What fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer?
Mentioning foliar application of fertilizer, many friends have a misconception that foliar fertilizer should be a professional type of fertilizer. However, this is a misunderstanding. A more accurate understanding of foliar fertilizer should be a method of fertilization, not a type of fertilizer.
Actually, there are many methods of fertilization, such as the commonly used root irrigation, shallow burial, hole application, and foliar spraying, etc. The specific operation methods are all detailed in the book "How to Raise a Bursting Moonflower from Scratch," which you can refer to and use.
Understanding the essence of foliar fertilizer, we can determine what fertilizers can be used as foliar fertilizers. Since it is a foliar spray, it must first be soluble in water. From this perspective, any type of water-soluble fertilizer and nutrient solution can be used as foliar fertilizer.
However, one thing to note is that fertilizers that easily pollute the foliage are not recommended to be used as foliar fertilizers. For example, ferrous sulfate can easily cause a large amount of rust-like residual spots on the foliage, which are difficult to remove. This type of fertilizer is not very suitable for use as foliar fertilizer.
Foliar application of fertilizer is directly absorbed and utilized by the plants through the foliage, relatively faster in effect, and does not cause root absorption burden. It is especially suitable for seedlings with weak roots or those that have just been transplanted and have not developed many new roots. These relatively weak seedlings are more prone to fertilizer damage and black stems when root irrigation fertilizers are used.
Many friends don't know how to proportion foliar fertilizer. Usually, the dilution ratio of the fertilizer should be adjusted according to the condition of the seedlings. Small and weak seedlings should be diluted at a high ratio, while large and strong seedlings can be diluted according to the instructions. For新手 flower friends, I suggest using a single fertilizer each time, dilute according to the strength of the seedlings, and refer to the concentration specified in the instructions. If there are signs of fertilizer damage after 1-2 days of application, make adjustments accordingly.
Newcomers may need to try multiple times to better grasp the safe concentration ratio for various seedlings. When I apply foliar fertilizer, I usually use 2-3 types of fertilizers at the same time. If your seedlings are strong enough, or you are not worried about fertilizer damage, you can also try mixing multiple fertilizers.
Usually, a full-element fertilizer is combined with a trace element fertilizer, or a chemical water-soluble fertilizer is combined with an organic water-soluble fertilizer, and then a trace element fertilizer is added. The combination of fertilizers still needs to be adjusted according to the condition of the seedlings. Since some of my moonflowers have trace element deficiencies and I manage them uniformly, I also add trace elements uniformly when spraying foliar fertilizer. If you have fewer potted moonflowers, it is best to individualize the combination and management according to the condition of the seedlings.
II. How often should foliar fertilizer be applied?
How often to apply foliar fertilizer is also a concern for many flower friends. There is no standard answer to this frequency; it can only be adjusted based on the performance of the moonflower seedlings after application.
I apply foliar fertilizer every 2 or 3 days, sometimes even once a day. Since applying fertilizer to the roots once requires about 3 to 4 hours of my time, a foliar spray can be done in 20 minutes, so I almost never do root topdressing, and the frequency of foliar application is higher.
If you can water the roots once every 5 days, it is recommended to add one foliar spray between the two root waterings.
III. What to do if the fertilizer solution does not stay on the leaves when spraying foliar fertilizer?
What fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer?
Many flower friends say that when they spray foliar fertilizer, the fertilizer solution bounces off the leaves and does not stay on the foliage. This situation is actually related to two factors.
One is our method of applying foliar fertilizer. If the喷头 is too close to the leaves and sprays with too much force, the mist easily bounces off. The second is the variety of the moonflower. Some varieties have very smooth leaves, making it difficult for water droplets to stay on the surface, and incorrect spraying methods make it even harder to apply.
To solve this problem, it is actually very simple. For those who grow many moonflowers, Green Plant Enthusiast Network recommends using an additive, such as organic silicone, which can increase the adhesion of the fertilizer solution, providing better fertilizer and pesticide efficacy.
For those with fewer potted plants, they can increase the distance between the喷头 and the pot when spraying, spray the mist into the air, and let the fertilizer solution fall naturally onto the leaves. Some people say that you can add dishwashing liquid, which is possible, but for newcomers, Green Plant Enthusiast Network does not recommend this approach, as it is easy to cause leaf burning if the dosage is not properly controlled. I have encountered too many such consultations, so I am cautious.
Finally, a small tip: It is best to apply foliar fertilizer in the evening to avoid doing so at noon or in direct sunlight, as it can easily cause burns. The absorption capacity of the leaf's back is stronger than that of the front. For those with a curved喷头, it is recommended to spray 360 degrees. For those without a curved喷头, you can place the pot upside down,倾斜, or on a high place and spray from bottom to top. More spraying techniques of foliar fertilizer await your discovery. When spraying foliar fertilizer, don't forget to also prevent diseases and pests. The commonly used pesticides for moonflowers can be purchased through the mini-program below.
The above is the full content of [www.lvzhimi.com] about what fertilizer can be used as foliar fertilizer, how often to apply foliar fertilizer, and how to apply it. I hope it can help you and also hope that everyone will visit the Green Plant Enthusiast Network for more green plant and flower experience and common sense!