Why use fertilizer
plant have the singular ability to make their own energy fromsunshine , pee , and airthrough photosynthesis . But they ask extra nutrients to regulate their life processes . The three major nutrients , atomic number 7 ( N ) , phosphorus ( atomic number 15 ) , and atomic number 19 ( K ) , and ten additional nutrient fulfill those roles .
In barbaric options , plant nutrient become available in a form of ways through nature ’s nutrient cycle . But in cultivation , and especially for potted plant , gardeners have to provide all of the nutrient that their plants take for survival . So we practice plant food to conveniently deliver the requisite element in an easy to transport , shop , and use package .
What to look for
When you shop for fertiliser , it ’s crucial to consider what it ’ll be used for . Each plant food was create with a different result in creative thinker . Some are formulated to promote rapid growth , mystifying root development , colorful bloom product , intemperate fruit yields , or any number of other specific goals . Others are developed for general plant health and maintenance , which will be the focal point of our picks below .
Nutrients
flora apply the three major nutrients , N , phosphorus , and K , in large quantities , so they ’re the most important to conceive . N is for leafy maturation , P is for tooth root , blossom , and fruit output , and K is for drouth leeway and general wellness . Fertilizer labels show the percentages of these nutrients in the format N - P - K. For instance , a mathematical product labeled 4 - 5 - 6 , include 4 percentage N , 5 percentage P , and 6 percent K. Any other nutrients are listed on the rearward side of the label .
Three additional nutrient that plants use in fairly significant quantities are atomic number 20 ( Ca ) , magnesium ( Mg ) , and sulfur ( S ) . The seven tracing elements , or micronutrients , atomic number 5 ( B ) , zinc ( Zn ) , manganese ( Mn ) , iron ( Fe ) , copper ( Cu ) , molybdenum ( Mo ) , and atomic number 17 ( Cl ) , are also important , but required in much lower quantity .
Type of fertilizer
Organic plant food are made using waste ware from intellectual nourishment and fibre processing facilities . factor are composted or otherwise process to eliminate pathogen and meliorate treatment ability . Non - constituent plant foodsuse chemical engineering to reduce the nutrients into readily uncommitted elemental sort . plant food work in a variety of ways .
Application instructions
No matter the eccentric of fertilizer , it ’s critically significant to follow the program instructions listed on the recording label . Doing so guarantee that you get the full note value of the fertilizer and avoid damaging plants or polluting nearby waterways .
Specialty fertilizers
A walk down the plant intellectual nourishment gangway of your favorite garden sum will bring out specialized fertilizers for many dissimilar kinds of plants . But is it really necessary to buy unequalled fertilizers for orchidaceous plant , succulents , African violets , palm trees , citrus Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , gardenias , and others ? Maybe , but plausibly not .
General intention works foods are design to nourish most plants and minimize the risk to sensitive plants . you could use them on your whole industrial plant collection without undue risk . But if your solicitation includes lots of any one of the specialty types , it could be deserving it to employ a unique product made just for them .
The best houseplant fertilizers
These products represent the just of the spectrum of houseplant food option . opt from fast - play liquidity , vexation - free obtuse release , or eco - well-disposed constituent options to raise your plants in the fashion that works well for you .
Best Water Soluble Fertilizer:Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer
Best Slow Release Fertilizer:Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food Plus
Best Organic Fertilizer:Dr. Earth Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus Fertilizer
Best Hydroponic Fertilizer:AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients
