Fertilizing your House plants

[Dave]

Fertilizers

In a potted environment, soil nutrients can eventually get depleted. Adding fertilizer can artificially provide these nutrients, however, adding unneeded fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. Because of this, careful consideration must be taken before fertilizing. Slow growth, the yellowing of leaves, and the dropping of new leaves are all signs that a plant could benefit from fertilizer.


Fertilizers are usually marked with a number such as 20-20-20. These numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, elements that are needed for plant growth. A 20-20-20 mixture is usually good for green foliating plants, while a 10-20-10 is usually better for flowering plants.

The safety of fertilization depends upon the use of a product that can be diluted. While variation may occur between brands, a general rule is to mix 1 tablespoon to every gallon of water. In all cases, it is better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. The diluted mixture is then used to water the plants. The growth of the plants should be monitored to determine if the fertilizer is helping or harming, and how often (if at all) it should be used. Schedules can range from every other week to every three months.