Fertilization Methods for Hydroponic Flowers and Tips for Handling Fertilizer Burn

Hydroponic flowers differ from potted flowers. Generally, hydroponic flowers need a special nutrient solution, which is not suitable to be mixed yourself. Soilless cultivation nutrient solutions are formulated according to the proportions, concentrations and acidity of the nutrients flowers need, and in addition to the macroelements plants require, they also contain other trace elements. When using a nutrient solution, you should strictly follow the instructions, control the fertilization concentration, and never apply it blindly, so as to avoid causing fertilizer burn.

1. Nutrient requirements of hydroponic flowers

Purchased nutrient solutions should be placed in a dark, low-temperature place, and metal containers must never be used for storage. Different flowers have different requirements for fertilizer nutrient elements. Generally, foliage plants should be given mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; flowering plants, especially during their flower bud differentiation and flower bud development stages, should be given mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, supplemented by nitrogen fertilizer.

2. Fertilization time for hydroponic flowers

Hydroponic flowers should be fertilized in spring and autumn, when growth is vigorous; generally, fertilization is not suitable in winter and summer. If flowers show nutrient deficiency in summer that affects their growth, a 0.1% urea solution can be sprayed on the leaves.

3. Fertilization concentration for hydroponic flowers

When fertilizing, strictly control the fertilization concentration, because all the nutrient elements applied are dissolved in the water. When the concentration reaches a certain level, it will cause fertilizer burn to the flowers, thereby affecting their growth and even causing the entire plant to die.

① Different flowers require different fertilization concentrations. Flowers such as Syngonium podophyllum, mini Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald' are relatively tolerant of fertilizer and can be fertilized more heavily; flowers with fine roots, such as Sihai Bo, Commelinaceae species, Begonia species and Coleus scutellarioides, have poorer fertilizer tolerance and should be fertilized more lightly.

② For hydroponic flowers, the concentration applied should also be determined according to the strength of the plant's growth vigor. Generally speaking, plants with strong growth vigor have greater fertilizer tolerance and can be fertilized relatively more heavily; conversely, fertilization should be lighter. When indoor hydroponic flowers suffer from nutrient deficiency, fertilization should be stopped or the fertilization concentration should be reduced to avoid causing fertilizer burn.

4. Handling fertilizer burn in hydroponic flowers

If after fertilization the flowers' branches and leaves appear weak and listless, the leaf surface loses its luster, and the root system rots and smells foul, these are signs that fertilizer burn has occurred. Once the above conditions appear, the rotten roots should be trimmed off promptly, the water should be replaced with clean water, and the plant should be kept in a dark place for care, with the water changed once a day, and the flower's roots checked, promptly trimming off rotten roots until new roots sprout again, after which it can return to normal care.