What fertilizer is generally best for potted plants? Plus how to make it

Growing flowers looks like a simple job, but there is quite a bit of knowledge involved. For example, what kind of water to give potted flowering plants, when to water them, whether they need long-day sunlight, whether to pinch off the growing tips, and so on. Take fertilizing, for instance - it is not simply a matter of digging open the potting soil and putting it in and being done; if you are not careful, the fertilizer will burn the roots. Let us look at this in detail below: fertilize well, and potted plants will be full every year.

For growing potted plants, organic fertilizer is best, and the fertilizers used most are the three kinds: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Below we will analyze these fertilizers for you.

The first kind: nitrogen fertilizer

Function: nitrogen fertilizer is a growth fertilizer; its main role is to promote the growth of branches and leaves, making plants more luxuriant.

Materials for making it: manure of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses (including human feces and urine), fish intestines, and related materials such as peanuts, sesame and beans. These all contain nitrogen and can all be used as raw materials for nitrogen fertilizer.

How to make it: make it by decomposition and fermentation. Put the nitrogen-containing materials into a sealable container, add water and soak to ferment. In summer, at high temperatures, it takes about 20 days; in winter, at low temperatures, it ranges from 2 to 3 months. Signs of successful fermentation: open it to release the accumulated gas, then stir it a few times; as long as it no longer gives off the original stink, it is done.

Note: using too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause branches and leaves to grow excessively, becoming tender and spindly, and making them vulnerable to disease.

The second kind: phosphorus fertilizer

Function: promotes the formation of flower buds and fruit, strengthens tree growth, strengthens root growth, and enhances plant resistance.

Materials for making it: poultry manure, eggshells, fish scales and bones, animal bones, rice bran, water from washing rice, and so on all contain phosphorus and are good materials for making phosphorus fertilizer.

How to make it: the same as for nitrogen fertilizer. Put the phosphorus-containing waste in water, seal it, and use it after it rots and ferments. Note that if you use bones or eggshells, please crush them, as this gives a better effect and shortens the fermentation time. When it ferments into black fertilizer water, it is done.

Note: phosphorus fertilizer is easily fixed in place, acts slowly and has a strong lasting effect. You can apply it in layers or by making holes and digging trenches to enhance the effect.

The third kind: potassium fertilizer

Function: strengthens plants, improves resistance to pests and disease, low temperatures and drought, strengthens the root system, and enhances color.

Materials for making it: plant ash; the mineral elements contained in plants are all included in plant ash.

How to make it: after filtering the plant ash, add water and stir it into a paste, then dilute with water before use. It can also be used as a base fertilizer, and can also be sprinkled on directly.

Note: plant ash can prevent pests and disease and prevent root rot and withering. Plant ash is alkaline, so do not store it mixed with other fertilizers; just put it in a plastic bag and store it separately.

Summary: when to fertilize and what fertilizer to apply may differ depending on the type of potted plant, the climate of each place and other reasons, and the timing and standards of fertilizing vary somewhat, but the fundamentals do not change: mainly these three fertilizers are used, and you just adjust according to the situation.

Reminders:

1: Pay extra attention when fermenting fertilizer yourself; the smell may affect the neighbors.

2: The gas produced by fermentation can be an explosion risk in a sealed environment; remember to release it regularly before it is finished.

3: Homemade fertilizer is generally diluted 5 to 10 times with water before use; fertilize lightly and in multiple applications.

4: It is best not to mix different fertilizers for use or storage, to avoid fertilizer conflicts.