Techniques for Foliar Fertilization
Sharing knowledge about the broadcast fertilization method with everyone. Next, our site editor will introduce to you.
This period, roses are growing rapidly, but there is also a lot of rain, which has troubled many friends. “It rains every day, the potting soil is never dry, how should we apply fertilizer? We're worried that the roses might lack fertilizer and develop blind branches.” Actually, in addition to root watering, we can also use two other methods of fertilization: broadcasting and foliar spraying. However, these two fertilization methods require more skill to be safe and effective. Today, I will provide you with a detailed introduction.
I. Broadcast Fertilization Method
Broadcast fertilization is divided into two types: long-acting fertilizer and fast-acting fertilizer. Long-acting fertilization can be carried out regardless of the weather, usually with fermented organic fertilizers or controlled-release fertilizers. Fast-acting fertilization is generally combined with watering or applied during rainy days, using mostly compound fertilizers or water-soluble fertilizers.
No matter whether broadcasting long-acting or fast-acting fertilizers, there is one technical point that is extremely important: try to broadcast the fertilizers evenly along the edge of the pot. For ground planting, broadcast evenly 10-20 cm away from the main root, once a week.
Do not pile the fertilizer in one place. While fermented organic fertilizers are not a big problem when piled, controlled-release fertilizers and fast-acting water-soluble fertilizers should not be piled together. Piling them together can easily lead to a high concentration of fertilizer in one area, causing local fertilizer damage. Moreover, fertilizers should not be piled on the main root, as it can easily lead to black stem issues.
Broadcasting fertilizers is a rather lazy approach, as it results in more fertilizer loss, but sometimes when there are too many potted plants to care for or too much rain, broadcasting can be a very good method to significantly reduce workload and provide timely fertilizer for plants like roses.
When it's sunny after broadcasting fast-acting fertilizers, it is essential to water thoroughly, and for ground planting, water until the fertilizer is completely dissolved. During consecutive rainy days, you can apply the fertilizer on cloudy days or when it's raining to let the rain dissolve the fertilizer into the soil.
Note that if after broadcasting fast-acting fertilizers, it only rains a little, and the fertilizer has just dissolved or not completely dissolved, it is best to water again for safety.
Amount of Fast-Acting Fertilizer for Broadcasting
When broadcasting fast-acting fertilizers, the amount should be adjusted according to the size of the pot and the condition of the plant. This amount is not fixed because it dissolves and penetrates with rain, unlike our own water root irrigation, where the concentration is difficult to control accurately.
Personal experience suggests that for a 2-gallon pot, 3-5g of compound fertilizer can be broadcast, with 3g for weak seedlings and 5g for strong seedlings. It is not recommended to broadcast in pots smaller than 2 gallons, as they are prone to fertilizer damage. For ground planting, it is recommended to apply 30-50g of compound fertilizer per rose plant, 30g for shrubs, and 50g for large, perennial vines. Be sure to broadcast it and avoid applying it on leaves and branches.
If broadcasting small particle water-soluble fertilizers, such as Flowertop or Monopotassium Phosphate, it is recommended to halve the amount. Actually, a good fast-acting water-soluble fertilizer is still recommended to be used with the foliar application method I will introduce next, which is better.
II. Techniques for Foliar Fertilization
The foliar fertilization method is recommended during the rapid growth period of roses and when plants show signs of nutrient deficiencies. In the book "How to Grow Flowers from Scratch," the advantages and applications of foliar fertilization are introduced, including the fact that fertilizers can be directly absorbed by the leaves, making the effect faster.
Many times, plants show signs of fertilizer deficiency not because the soil lacks fertilizer but because the root absorption capacity is insufficient. Foliar spraying uses leaf absorption without increasing the burden on the roots, and the fertilizer utilization rate is also high.
In the spring, during the rapid growth period of roses, it is recommended to apply foliar spray fertilization every three days, using the same fertilizer as for root watering. Many friends find that when they spray fertilizer water on rose leaves, it quickly falls off and does not stay on the leaves, greatly reducing the effectiveness of foliar spraying.
This problem can be solved with two simple methods.
①. Add an Auxiliary Agent
If you have many roses, you can use an organic silicone additive, which increases the surface tension of the liquid, enhancing adhesion. It can be used for both fertilizing and spraying.
②. Adjust Spraying Position
There is also a technique when spraying. Try not to spray directly on the leaves, as the pressure of the sprayed mist can cause water droplets to bounce off the leaf surface. You can hold the spray bottle higher and farther from the plant, allowing the mist to gently float onto the leaves like mist or drizzle.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the broadcasting fertilization method and techniques for foliar fertilization, hoping it can act as a stepping stone to solve your green plant problems.