Repairing Plants by Transplanting with Already Fertilized Dirt?
In the world of gardening, understanding how to care for your plants is essential for their health and growth. One crucial aspect of plant care is the use of fertilisers and the appropriate timing for repotting. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on choosing the right type and amount of fertiliser for specific plants during repotting.
Fertiliser plays a significant role in plant growth and health, supplying plants with the essential nutrients they need, particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. However, it's essential to tailor the fertiliser type, formulation, and dosage to the plant's sensitivity and substrate to avoid causing nutrient burn or stress.
When repotting, liquid fertilisers diluted to half or less strength are ideal for sensitive plants. Liquid feeds are fast-acting and allow precise control, making them suitable for plants in airy or mineral substrates and for fertiliser-sensitive species like rare aroids (e.g., Philodendrons, Anthuriums). It's best to apply these during regular watering to avoid fertiliser burn. Select low-salt, low ammonium fertilisers without urea nitrogen to reduce leaf tip burn and salt stress.
Slow-release fertilisers, such as bone meal, are beneficial for bulbs, flowering plants, and fruiting vegetables as they supply phosphorus and calcium over time. Use recommended amounts based on plant type and soil pH to avoid nutrient imbalances or toxicity.
When repotting sensitive plants, it's crucial to trim dead roots gently and fertilise lightly or start fertilisation only after re-establishment, usually about 2–4 weeks after repotting to avoid root burn.
Organic or microbial biostimulants combined with reduced chemical fertilisers can enhance nutrient uptake and promote growth while minimising fertiliser use, benefiting sensitive plants and supporting sustainable gardening. Homemade or mild fertilisers (e.g., diluted coffee water for acid-loving plants) can be used as supplements but should be applied carefully according to plant acidity preferences and sensitivity.
The application rate of fertiliser, the form of nitrogen used, and the amount of phosphorus in the fertiliser influence plant stretching and size. It's generally recommended to wait a few months before fertilising after repotting to give the plant time to adjust to its new soil.
Spring, before the start of the growth season, is also an excellent time to repot plants. When repotting, only increase the pot size by 2" for tabletop planters and 4" for floor planters. Signs that a plant needs repotting include roots being visible, the plant drying out more quickly than usual, losing leaves, drooping leaves, yellow leaves, losing a lot of leaves, the plant being top-heavy and falling over easily, the plant looking too large for the pot, the plant growing slowly, and a noticeable salt and mineral build-up on the plant or planter.
Resurrection plants require repotting every 12 to 18 months or every few years, depending on their growth rate. It's important to note that organic fertilisers take time to become available to plants as the nutrients are bound up in carbon, while synthetic fertilisers are readily available but more likely to burn plant roots if applied incorrectly.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plants receive the correct nutrients at the right time, promoting healthy growth and longevity. Happy gardening!
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the right type of fertiliser for specific plants in the realm of health-and-wellness, particularly in the sectors of fitness-and-exercise and lifestyle, as it provides essential nutrients for plant growth. Home-and-garden enthusiasts should tailor the fertiliser type, formulation, and dosage to the plant's sensitivity and substrate to avoid causing nutrient burn or stress, ensuring sustained health and growth for their plants.
