In almost every article where we talk about plant care, we recommend the use of fertilizers at certain times of the year to help our crops bloom in all their splendor. However, not all species have the same needs, nor are they equally nourished by the same fertilizer product. If you want safe results, you have to know what fertilizer to use for each type of plant. We are going to deal with this in this article. So, if you are a lover of plants and, especially, flowering plants, you should pay close attention to our advice.
There are times of the year when using a good fertilizer product can make a big difference between a beautiful plant and another that is barely seen fighting for its survival, aged and without color. It happens to plants like us, when spring asthenia hits and, despite the beauty of the season, we feel down. Or like in September when, after a good summer, we have to return to routine and our spirits deflate and our body notices it. They, the plants, sometimes need help that stimulates and nourishes them a little more than usual, preventing them from suffering from deficiencies.
How to choose the most suitable fertilizer
The first thing you need to know is that there are different types of fertilizers. Furthermore, apart from this, it must also be taken into account that not all plants will always need to receive these compounds. Just as important as giving them the best fertilizer is knowing when it should be applied. Because here the rule of “more is better” does not apply.
Using fertilizers when it is not appropriate can harm the plant, in addition to making you spend money unnecessarily. Let's see step by step all the basics about fertilizers, types, how and when to apply them.
Types of fertilizers
We can find fertilizers solids and liquids. But they can also be organic or mineral, depending on the components it contains.
Organic fertilizer: These types of fertilizer are of particular interest to us, because they are made up of natural products and, therefore, are respectful of the environment. Using them is very positive because, in addition to nourishing the plant itself, it also enriches the soil. This way we will have a double advantage with them.
At first glance, everything seems like advantages with organic fertilizers, however, they are not perfect. In fact, that is why there are those who prefer the use of mineral fertilizers, since organic ones are not as nutritionally rich. That is, they are lazier. The solution would be to use more, renew it more often or supplement it with a little other fertilizer.
These organic fertilizers are, among others, manure, hummus, peat and compost. Although you can add compounds such as algae extracts to make it richer.
Mineral fertilizer: Mineral fertilizer is composed of chemical components and is more powerful, although less natural. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other inorganic substances that enrich it. Being stronger, the plants respond better to them and more quickly, which is why they are very good when the plant has been sick or subjected to environmental stress.
Apart from these basic classifications, within mineral fertilizers there are different products intended for different plant species and their particular needs.
Each type of plant, its fertilizer
It's okay if you use an organic or mineral fertilizer for your plant cultivation or garden. Another option is to resort to universal fertilizer, which will serve the same purpose for all your plants, both those that are indoors and those that are outdoors. It is a good alternative to not spend so much money on buying different products. Its formula is generic, with nitrogen as the main element.
Now, if you want a specific product that offers you a faster and more powerful result, there is one.
Fertilizer for roses
There is a fertilizer for your roses that you can also use in case of cultivating jasmine or hibiscus, as well as other plants that are bush type. This subscription carries nitrogen and potassium. Both minerals make the plant have an intense color, grow strong and, in addition, become more resistant to diseases. Another component worth highlighting is the magnesium, which helps them carry out photosynthesis correctly.
More beautiful hydrangeas with the help of special fertilizer
The hydrangeas and other shade plants They greatly appreciate the help of a fertilizer very rich in potassium and nitrogen that helps the soil to be as acidic as they demand. It may be worth using a fertilizer for hydrangeas, which covers all these needs, making plants grow healthier and stronger against diseases.
Fertilizer for green plants
If what brings joy to your house, your garden or terrace are green plants, for them there is the fertilizer for green plants. It will make these look greener, if possible, with a super intense color that will fill your natural corner with life. To achieve this, what these fertilizers contain is iron and potassium. You can find them that are also enriched with humus that helps to enrich not only the plant itself, but also the land or soil where they grow.
Do you grow citrus fruits? This is your fertilizer
If you are dedicated to growing citrus fruits, your plants will need extra help, because producing the fruits requires extra effort. The citrus fertilizers incorporate extra doses of potassium and nitrogen.
When to apply fertilizer for each type of plant
Fertilizers are usually applied during spring. It is at this time, after the harsh winter, when the plants are most weakened and, furthermore, when they are preparing to flower, for the most part. Therefore, it is the ideal time to pay them.
Certainly it is also on this date when we see our garden at its most beautiful. But if you notice that this is not the case and that your plants are not at their best, they are losing leaves, they are discolored or decayed, it is time to resort to fertilizer.
Be careful not to abuse it either. It will be enough to apply it every 15 days and in the doses indicated by the manufacturer. Applying more fertilizer than necessary will not make the plant grow faster or prettier. Everything must be done in its proper measure.
If you were disoriented regarding what fertilizer to use for each type of plant, now you know a little more about the subject. And you? Are you betting on organic or mineral fertilizers? Do you prepare your own fertilizer?