Feeding Your Houseplants
If you don't feed your houseplants regularly, they tend to underachieve. You should start feeding regularly once they fill their pot with roots. If you want them to remain healthy and create a lush, attractive display, you need to give them regular feedings. From early spring into summer, both leafy plants and flowering plants require some feeding at 10 to 14 day intervals. Houseplants that flower only in the winter should be fed the same way, but only when they are flowering.
Liquid Fertilizer for Feeding Houseplants
Most people feed their houseplants by mixing concentrated liquid fertilizer in clean, room temperature water and watering the plants with the solution. Make sure you don't make the mixture too strong and mix the solution according to manufacturer recommendations. Be sure the compost is already moist, which will help the fertilizer absorb easier and quicker. Mix only enough fertilizer to feed your plants. Don't make up large quantities and store the mixture because it can get stronger while it sits.
Feeding Sticks and Pills for Feeding Houseplants
Feeding sticks are another quick and easy way people fertilize their indoor plants. All you do is push the fertilizer pegs into the compost about an inch (1 cm.) from the pot's side. There are fertilizer pills as well. Both the sticks and the pills give the plants food over a longer period of time, but they sometimes encourage the roots to become congested around them.
When Not to Feed Plants
Plants that flower throughout the summer shouldn't be fertilized with pills and pegs past the midsummer growing season. The last fertilizer peg or pill that you would administer will keep the plant fertilized throughout its flowering process. If you have winter flowering plants, insert the last peg or pill in autumn and early winter. Feeding your plants are not hard things to do. Sometimes it can be time consuming, and they are definitely chores that fall low on the list at times. However, you will reap many rewards in the long run with the beauty you are creating.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is A Water Wick? How To Use One To Keep Houseplants Hydrated While You’re Away
A water wick for plants will give you a worry-free break if you need to leave your plant babies for a while. It’s easy to set up and pretty much runs itself.
By Amy Grant
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long Time
Click here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
By Amy Grant
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?
Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical Flair
Click here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely Leaves
What are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage Plants
Click here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter Holidays
Click here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor Oasis
If you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer Mind
Are there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
By Laura Miller