Indoor plant food care with Indoorpeace
When it comes to feeding your indoor plants, not everyone is aware that plants not only need water for hydration, but also need food as well! When you first pot your new plants, you’ll often use a fresh potting mix with includes nutrients formulated into the soil that act as ‘food’ for your plants. However soon enough, your indoor plants will use up all the nutrients in the soil and so if you don’t otherwise replenish these nutrients, you’re going to end up with a really sad (and starving) plant.
Are you a plant enthusiast who is always looking for new ways to keep your leafy friends healthy? If so, look no further than your own home! With a little bit of creativity and some common household items, you can create DIY plant fertilizers that are not only safe for your plants but also effective. In this blog post, we will delve into some easy and effective ways to make your own plant food and which houseplants are most likely to benefit from them.
When To Fertilize Indoor Plants
Spring and summer are the best. If you live in a climate with temperate, warmer winters as I do, then into early fall is fine too.
I stop fertilizing my plants in mid to end of October because they’re not actively growing at this time. I let them be in the cooler, darker months and start feeding again in mid-February.When my plants are putting new growth and new leaves, it’s my sign to start feeding. For you in a different climate zone with a shorter growing season, feeding two or three times per year may do it for your indoor plants.We have a long growing season here in Tucson (the sun shines a lot here!) and my houseplants appreciate it. In a colder climate, you may start feeding in late March or April.
I stop fertilizing my plants in mid to end of October because they’re not actively growing at this time. I let them be in the cooler, darker months and start feeding again in mid-February.When my plants are putting new growth and new leaves, it’s my sign to start feeding. For you in a different climate zone with a shorter growing season, feeding two or three times per year may do it for your indoor plants.We have a long growing season here in Tucson (the sun shines a lot here!) and my houseplants appreciate it. In a colder climate, you may start feeding in late March or April.
Fertilizing Indoor Plants in Winter
As I said above, I don’t fertilize my indoor plants in winter because it’s not their active growing season. I also cut back on the watering frequency during this season.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. Besides, they also contain other nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are beneficial for your plants. You can either add coffee grounds directly to the soil or use them as a compost ingredient. Although most houseplants can benefit from coffee ground fertilizer, it is particularly useful for acid-loving plants such as African violets, ferns, and ivies. For a deeper understanding of how to use coffee grounds for different plants, refer to this insightful article: Are Coffee Grounds Good For Plants?
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is yet another nature’s bounty, brimming with nutrients essential for plants. It is a rich source of magnesium and sulfur, but remember, not all houseplants appreciate Epsom salt. Use it only for plants displaying plant magnesium deficiency signs. Citrus plants, tomatoes, and peppers are some of the houseplants that can make the most of Epsom salt. This blog post on nutrient deficiencies in plants can be super useful to further understand plant nutrition deficiency and how to tell what your leafy friends might be lacking.
Eggshells
These are rich in calcium, which is crucial for strong plant cell walls. You can crush the eggshells and add them to the soil or use them as a compost ingredient. Most houseplants can benefit from eggshell fertilizer, but it is especially helpful for succulents, cacti, and other plants that require well-draining soil. Here’s a broader list of plants that would love this calcium boost.
Banana Peels
You can also use banana peels as a DIY fertilizer. These are rich in potassium, which is essential for plant growth and fruit production. Cut the banana peels into small pieces and bury them in the soil around the base of your plants or blend them with water and use them as a fertilizer. Lots of houseplants can benefit from banana peel fertilizer, but it is especially helpful for flowering plants such as orchids, bromeliads, and peace lilies.
Easy Homemade Mix
Ingredients:
.1 tsp Epsom salts
.1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
.1/2 tsp household ammonia
.1 gallon of water
Mix everything in a watering can and give your plants a drink every other week or so. This provides a bit of magnesium, nitrogen, and can help with soil pH.
.1 tsp Epsom salts
.1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
.1/2 tsp household ammonia
.1 gallon of water
Mix everything in a watering can and give your plants a drink every other week or so. This provides a bit of magnesium, nitrogen, and can help with soil pH.
Other DIY Options
“Veggie Water”: Boiling carrots, roast dinner veggies, etc? Let that water cool, then use it on your plants for a gentle nutrient boost.
Coffee Grounds: Acid-loving plants may like a sprinkle around the pot (not too much!). Adds a bit of nitrogen over time.
Crushed Eggshells: Add calcium to the soil… good for ferns, palms and similar plants.
Coffee Grounds: Acid-loving plants may like a sprinkle around the pot (not too much!). Adds a bit of nitrogen over time.
Crushed Eggshells: Add calcium to the soil… good for ferns, palms and similar plants.