Fertilizer Basics for House Plant Parents: What You Need to Know
Fertilizers are an important aspect of plant care, providing essential nutrients for growth and health. Actually, if you ask us, we believe the difference between adding fertilizer to your plants or not is massive! Adding fertilizer to your plants is like giving them food. It will help your plants grow faster, healthier, and larger, with more vibrant colors. If your plants have flowers, fertilizing will increase the number of blooms and make them look even more beautiful!
In this post, we’ll discuss when to fertilize, why it’s important, how much to use, and a tip on making an easy houseplant fertilizer at home.
First of all, why Fertilize:
Fertilizing provides plants with essential nutrients that they may not get from the soil alone. These nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fertilizing can improve plant growth, increase flower and fruit production, and enhance overall plant health.
When to Fertilize:
The best time to fertilize your plants is during their active growing season, typically in spring and summer. During the dormant season, usually autumn and winter, you can use less fertilizer as the plants are not growing as actively.
How Much to Use:
The amount of fertilizer to use depends on the type of plant and the fertilizer you are using. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the recommended amount and frequency. Over-fertilizing can damage plants, so it’s better to use less than too much.
Our tip: How to Make Easy Houseplant Fertilizer at Home:
If you’d like to try making your own fertilizer at home, there are several easy recipes. One simple recipe involves using eggshells, which are rich in minerals that plants need.
To make the fertilizer, rinse out eggshells and let them dry completely. Crush the eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of the soil around your plants. Or, you can also mix them into the soil before planting. As the eggshells decompose, they release nutrients into the soil.
Another easy recipe involves using leftover water after cooking vegetables. Use this water (make sure NOT to add any salt or oil, and cool it completely) to water your plants.
We hope this post was helpful and gave you some useful insights into helping your plants thrive! With the right care, you’ll see your plants flourish, bringing more life and beauty into your space. Happy growing, and remember—we’re here to support you every step of the way!