All about fertilizers for flowers
Growing and cultivating flowers (both indoor and garden flowers) is a popular hobby. However, often in order for plants to actively grow and develop, it is required to use a variety of feeding and fertilizers.
When is top dressing needed?
First you need to figure out when the flowers require top dressing. It should be understood that the timing may vary depending on what kind of flowers we are talking about (for example, plants in pots or pots, garden flowers). Some varieties require feeding in the fall (most often in November), others in the spring. Among other things, the plant variety must also be considered.
Speaking about how to properly fertilize flowers, it is important to emphasize that this procedure should be regular. With regard to those plants that grow at home, this is due, first of all, to the fact that they are in a rather limited space, and accordingly, the area of their nutrition is also limited.
In the process of its growth and development, the flower depletes the soil, which, in turn, needs to be supplemented with additional nutrients.
Since the plant is a living organism, according to its appearance and condition, it can be concluded whether it is necessary to apply fertilizers. The following characteristics can become similar signs:
- the flower grows very slowly, there are delays in its development;
- the stems are very weak in their characteristics, and elongated in shape;
- the leaves are of a dull color, they are small in size, drooping;
- the plant easily succumbs to negative influences: temperature changes, diseases, pests (the most common signs in this regard are yellowing of leaves, the appearance of spots);
- lack of flowering.
It is not recommended to bring a home flower to such a state, since in some cases no additional feeding and fertilization will be able to revive the plant, but, on the contrary, can lead to its complete death.
To feed indoor plants less often, you can use a transplant. Thanks to this procedure, the flower will constantly fall into a new nutrient substrate, which is saturated with a large amount of nutrients necessary for growth.
Application methods
There are several ways to carry out feeding. Each of them has its own individual characteristics, which must be borne in mind.
Watering
For watering, a special solution must be prepared. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the recommended proportions. Depending on the specific fertilizer, only a certain amount of solution can be applied, which is quite difficult to observe during watering. And you also need to take into account the watering rules for a particular flower (for example, the liquid should not get on the leaves of some plants).
Spraying
For spraying, as well as for watering, you must first prepare an appropriate solution. Spraying is considered to be the best fertilization method, as it creates the possibility of an even distribution of fertilizing.
Selection and use of finished fertilizers
The easiest way to feed your plants is to purchase the appropriate fertilizer. Today, a large number of similar substances can be found on the market; they can be both universal and specific. You can feed flowers with fertilizers in sticks, tablets, powder.
When choosing a fertilizer, it is imperative to give preference to such substances that correspond as much as possible to the plant variety. If you own a large number of flowers of different varieties, choose universal options. In addition, experts recommend giving preference to fertilizers from trusted manufacturers who enjoy respect and trust among consumers.
With regard to the use of ready-mixed mixtures, remember to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, there is a possibility that you will significantly harm the flower.
The use of folk remedies
Many growers, in contrast to ready-made and chemically obtained fertilizers, choose folk remedies that have a positive effect on houseplants. Let's consider the most popular ones.
succinic acid
Succinic acid is formed due to the processing of natural amber (this material is mined at the bottom of the Baltic Sea). Natural amber is a part of many plant and animal organisms. The product - succinic acid - is available in the form of tablets or crystalline powder. To fertilize plants, this substance can be diluted in various liquids (for example, in water). In this case, it is imperative to observe the recommended proportions and strictly follow the recipe.
Succinic acid can have a complex effect on the plant, positively affecting all its parts. When used in moderation and deliberately, succinic acid as a flower feed, the chemical can have a number of beneficial effects:
- activation of flower growth;
- improving the processes of absorption and assimilation of nutrients from the soil;
- stimulation of the development of roots and the green part of the shoots;
- restoration of disturbed physiological processes inside the plant;
- reducing the risk of disease;
- an increase in the amount of chlorophyll in foliage;
- intensification of germination processes.
At the same time, it is important to note the fact that in order for succinic acid to show its maximum effectiveness, only a small amount is required. In addition, this top dressing is absolutely safe, it will not harm either people or animals. There are several ways to feed plants with succinic acid. The method should be chosen depending on the purpose for which you are fertilizing the plant.
- To activate the processes of growth and development, it is recommended to spray flowers with a solution of succinic acid. This procedure is recommended before flowering begins.
- If you want to have a direct effect on the root system of the plant, it is recommended to soak the roots in the solution for 30-40 minutes. After that, the roots must be dried.
Hydrogen peroxide
According to the reviews of experienced flower growers, hydrogen peroxide is one of the most popular and effective folk fertilizers. It has many positive properties:
- accelerates the growth and flowering processes;
- has a fungicidal effect (pest control);
- saturates the soil with oxygen;
- strengthens the roots;
- prevents decay processes.
To prepare fertilizer in the form of a solution, you need to take 3% hydrogen peroxide (2 tablespoons) and 1 liter of water. The liquids must be thoroughly mixed, after which the plant can be watered with the solution.
Iodine
Using iodine as a flower food helps the plant to recover (for example, after exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight), and also activates flowering. Most often, iodine is used in the care of geraniums. To prepare a useful solution, 1 drop of the substance must be mixed with 1000 ml of water. At the same time, 50 ml of such a product will be enough for one plant.
Other
In addition to those described above, there are a large number of other folk remedies that are used as fertilizers and fertilizers for plants. So, for example, it can be:
- egg white;
- boric acid;
- tea or coffee brewing;
- cinnamon;
- ammonia;
- Castor oil;
- orange peels;
- garlic;
- milk;
- aspirin;
- beer.
Each of these feedings can be beneficial if used judiciously and the recommendations of experts are followed. Let's take a closer look at how some of these feedings are useful.
- Sugar dressing also called energetic. This is primarily due to the fact that they provide the implementation of a large number of processes that are necessary for the normal growth and development of a plant (for example, respiration).
- Coffee grounds increases the acidity of the soil, respectively, the amount of oxygen in the soil increases, which, in turn, is an integral component for the normal growth and development of the plant.
- Citrus and fruit fertilizers are also very popular with experienced gardeners. It should be borne in mind that a lot of effort will have to be made to prepare them. So, for example, if you want to turn orange peel into top dressing, then first you will have to grind it thoroughly, and then prepare the necessary solution.
- Ash is a source of a large number of useful microelements: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and others.
Recommendations
There are a few simple guidelines to consider when purchasing and using fertilizers.
- If possible, give preference to specialized fertilizers that are designed for a particular plant. It is recommended to choose universal options only as a last resort.
- The feeding procedure should be carried out as often as indicated on the package.
- In the process of self-preparation of fertilizers, be sure to adhere to the proportions. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to the death of the flower.
You will learn even more useful information from the following video.
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