Fertilising indoor plants provides them with the essential nutrients to stay healthy, with increased resistance to stress caused by temperature variations, lack or excess of water, and greater resistance to pests.
In their natural habitats, these plants obtain the nutrients they need from decomposing organic matter. When plants are in pots, they do not have access to this organic matter. For this reason, they need fertilisation.
When should indoor plants be fertilised?
The best time to fertilise indoor plants is during their active growth period, i.e., in spring and summer. During this time, indoor plants have ideal conditions for growth, and if they are well-nourished, the results are noticeable.
Below are 4 steps that should be followed for effective fertilisation of indoor plants:
1. Cleaning indoor plants is essential
Before fertilising indoor plants, we should ensure that the plants are free of pests. A closer look is enough to detect, or not, the presence of small insects on the plant leaves. If they exist, it is important to apply an insecticide.
Damaged or withered plant leaves should also be removed before fertilisation. If the plant is in poor condition, it should not be left without leaves, but the most damaged leaves should be removed to help the plant send nutrients to the healthy leaves that will absorb them for the leaves that matter.
2. The plant should be watered when fertilised
Never fertilise a plant whose soil is completely dry. The soil of the plants to be fertilised should be watered 2 or 3 days before fertilisation and should be moist, but well-drained. This helps the plant absorb the ideal amount of nutrients, no more, no less.
3. Prepare the liquid fertiliser according to the package instructions
Most liquid fertilisers are concentrated and should be diluted in water, according to the package instructions. All fertiliser packages have explicit application instructions, and it will be easy to understand how many litres of water a capful of fertiliser bottle (a regularly used measure) should be diluted in.
4. Fertilise indoor plants
The liquid fertiliser should be distributed evenly over the top of the soil, little by little, until it starts to drain out of the pot's drainage holes. A minimum of two fertiliser applications should be made, spaced 15 days apart, ideally at the beginning of spring and the beginning of summer.
There are universal fertilisers, great for those with various types of plants, and specific fertilisers for each type of plant. For indoor plants, the most suitable fertiliser is fertiliser for green plants.
In summary, fertilising indoor plants is a fundamental care to ensure their healthy growth and longevity. By respecting the natural cycle of plants, correctly preparing the soil, and applying the fertiliser appropriately, we are creating the ideal conditions for them to develop with vigour and beauty. With regular attention and consistent small gestures, it is possible to maintain more resistant, green, and vibrant plants throughout the year!
