Can Monopotassium Phosphate replace Huaduo No. 2?
If you want to know about the usage of Monopotassium Phosphate in green plants and flowers, the editor below provides you with detailed answers.
Recently, many flower enthusiasts have asked how to use Monopotassium Phosphate? Should it be applied to the roots or sprayed on the leaves? Can it replace Huaduo No. 2? Can additional fertilizer be applied when the flower buds show color? Will it shorten the blooming period? Today, let's answer these questions.
Monopotassium Phosphate Usage Methods
Actually, talking about Monopotassium Phosphate fertilizer alone, it's better to discuss a group of fertilizers similar to Monopotassium Phosphate, which we collectively refer to as water-soluble fertilizers.
As the name suggests, water-soluble fertilizers are fertilizers that can dissolve in water. Our classification can be divided into different types based on different classification methods. The classification of fertilizers and the usage of various fertilizers are introduced in detail in the book "How to Grow Flowers from Scratch," which you can refer to. Today, let's just talk about the usage of water-soluble fertilizers.
Usually, water-soluble fertilizers can be used in three common methods.
1. Root Irrigation
Root irrigation is the method of diluting water-soluble fertilizers with water according to a certain proportion and pouring them directly into the soil, relying on plant roots to absorb and utilize them. This method is called root irrigation and usually needs to be combined with watering.
Many flower enthusiasts don't know the amount of water-soluble fertilizer to use and worry that too much watering will cause fertilizer damage. In fact, the water retention rate of potting soil is relatively stable. As long as the dilution ratio is appropriate, even if you pour more, it's fine. It's just that the fertilizer water flows out of the pot in large amounts, causing waste. Therefore, the basic principle of root irrigation fertilizer water is the same as watering, which can be judged by thorough watering.
2. Leaf Spraying
Since the root irrigation method of top dressing needs to be combined with watering, and there is often no opportunity to water during cloudy and rainy days, leaf spraying can be used for top dressing.
Usually, water-soluble fertilizers are diluted with water according to a certain dilution ratio, dissolved, and then filled into a spray bottle to be sprayed on the leaves of the plant in the form of mist. The plant absorbs and utilizes it through the leaves.
You may ask, how much should it be diluted? The dilution ratio varies with different fertilizers. Common water-soluble fertilizers are diluted 500-1000 times. However, it is recommended to check the instructions before using the fertilizer and use the dilution ratio mentioned in the instructions as a reference, adjusting it according to the condition of your plants. For strong and large plants, a smaller dilution ratio is used, while for small and weak seedlings, a higher dilution ratio should be used.
3. Broadcasting
In addition to root irrigation and leaf spraying, top dressing can also be done using the broadcasting method, but this method has a higher risk of fertilizer damage and is not recommended for beginners.
If broadcasting is used for top dressing, it is important to avoid spreading it on the leaves, leaf cores, avoid piling it up, and avoid getting close to the main roots. It should be evenly broadcasted around the edge of the pot. After broadcasting, you can mix it with the topsoil by loosening the soil, which can greatly reduce the probability of fertilizer damage.
The introduction of the three methods of using water-soluble fertilizers ends here. Now you know how to use Monopotassium Phosphate, which is a type of water-soluble fertilizer.
Can Monopotassium Phosphate replace Huaduo No. 2?
Do you still need to use Huaduo No. 2 if you use Monopotassium Phosphate? This is a question many flower enthusiasts have. Here we need to understand the nature and differences between Monopotassium Phosphate and Huaduo No. 2.
Both of these belong to major nutrient element fertilizers, combining nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the three major nutrients needed by plants. Flower enthusiasts who have read the book "How to Grow Flowers from Scratch" know that plants require the most nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients. Plants have different requirements for these three nutrients during different growth stages.
In the flowering and fruiting stage, the most consumed are phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Therefore, we use Monopotassium Phosphate and Huaduo No. 2 during the flower bud stage. Monopotassium Phosphate is a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, while Huaduo No. 2, in addition to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, also contains nitrogen, but in a relatively low amount.
So, for plants that just keep growing flower buds, using Monopotassium Phosphate will be more effective, such as roses and hydrangeas. For plants that bloom and grow branches at the same time, using Huaduo No. 2, which contains a small amount of nitrogen, to promote flowering will be better, such as hibiscus and dwarf morning glories, etc.
Does Top Dressing During the Flowering Period Cause Premature Flower Aging?
Many people say that using too much phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can cause premature flower aging. I don't want to argue about this, but for potted flowers, the consumption of a large number of flowers is very high, and it's not easy to ensure enough fertilizer and water. Can there be an excess?
Also, from the perspective of seedling growth, flowering also requires consumption. The next step after flowering is fruit development, which is also a continuous consumption process. Not supplementing is like "eating into the reserves," which is one of the reasons why many potted roses grow slowly and are prone to diseases and pests after flowering.
So why do most people choose to stop fertilizing during the flowering period?
Think about it, after working hard all year, when the season of beautiful flowers finally arrives, of course, you want to take a good rest and enjoy the flowers. Moreover, if the fertilization is not done properly, it can cause fertilizer damage, which will further harm the flowers. Therefore, during the full bloom period, fertilization and medication are usually stopped to enjoy the flowers first.
This article shares the full content of the usage methods of Monopotassium Phosphate, whether Monopotassium Phosphate can replace Huaduo No. 2, and whether top dressing during the flowering period can cause premature flower aging, hoping it will be helpful to green plant enthusiasts!