What are the fertilization methods and precautions for coleus?
Although coleus has a low demand for fertilizer during its growth process, it cannot go completely without fertilization when cultivated, otherwise it will show fewer leaves, yellowing, and even withering due to lack of nutrients. So how should coleus be fertilized? Read on with TheNaturePlanet to find out.
1. Fertilizer selection
When fertilizing coleus, we first need to understand what kind of fertilizer it needs. First is base fertilizer, which can make the soil more fertile. Second, it needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Nitrogen fertilizer is a component of the living cells of coleus, and plant growth cannot do without nitrogen fertilizer. Phosphorus fertilizer is one of the main nutrient elements that promotes coleus flowering, and it also participates in photosynthesis, respiration, and cell division of coleus, while potassium fertilizer is also involved in the metabolism of coleus, so none of these three elements can be missing.
2. Fertilization methods
Base fertilizer should be applied when potting, because it needs to be applied at the bottom of the soil, or mixed into the soil. Generally, organic fertilizer and bone meal are the main components. Note that more base fertilizer is not always better; the amount should be controlled at one-tenth of the soil. During the growing period, fertilize more to promote plant growth and development. Nitrogen is a nutrient element necessary for the growth and development of any plant. Generally, apply dilute nitrogen fertilizer 1-2 times a month. Phosphorus fertilizer promotes coleus flowering, so before the coleus flowering period, a phosphorus fertilizer topdressing can be applied once. In addition, after pruning, a phosphorus fertilizer topdressing can also be applied once, which can promote cell division and enlargement and benefit the growth and development of new branches.
3. Fertilization precautions
Although nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth and development of coleus, it should not be applied too much. Generally, apply it once every 15-20 days, and it must be diluted with water before application, otherwise concentrated fertilizer will cause root burn and rot, and in severe cases, plant death. If the fertilizer is directly sprinkled on the pot soil, then after fertilizing, water appropriately and water thoroughly once, so that both the upper and lower layers of the soil can be moistened, reducing the situation of high concentration on the soil surface, and also allowing the fertilizer to enter the soil as soon as possible and be absorbed and used by the roots.
The above is an introduction to coleus fertilization methods and precautions. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.