FERTILIZERS FOR INDOOR PLANTS AND FLOWERS IN STICKS EXPERT REVIEWS

In "flower" circles, the controversy about the use of fertilizer sticks does not subside. It is easier for some to introduce such a top dressing once and not worry about the health of their plants for a long time., others prefer to regularly feed pets with liquid preparations, remembering or writing down schedules and doses. A third group of florists has also appeared, who criticize the action of sticks, talking about their low efficiency and uneven distribution. Candidate of Biological Sciences Lyudmila ULEISKAYA will help us to understand this problem.

Fertilizer sticks – reviews

MYTH 1

The expiration date of the sticks is not clear.

Reality

Sticks are a prolonged release fertilizer. If the time of action is indicated on the packaging 2-3 and even 6 months, it's true. Nutrients, microelements enter the soil up to one year. Sticking sticks in the ground, do not carry out any more fertilizing within the specified period. They act like a fertilizer in granules, which can be applied to the soil substrate when planting plants, and serve as a source of nutrients until the next transplant or the end of stocks of elements. Conveniently, that the remains of the stick can be removed from the soil, if you want to interrupt feeding.

MYTH 2

The nutritional requirement of a particular plant is not taken into account.

Reality

Optimum soil substrates have been developed and known for a long time, based on which experts have selected the most harmonious combination of N, Р, K and other macro and microelements in sticks. Therefore, when choosing them, you should pay attention to the inscription: for flowering plants or ornamental foliage. Complexes of substances for orchids have already been selected separately, petunias, pelargonium…

Remember, that in the case of watering with hard water, fertilizer for flowering flowers will be less effective, since the availability of phosphorus, as the main "lever of influence" on flowering, will decrease due to salts.

MYTH Z

Fertilizer may not be enough.

Reality

MYTH 4

From sticks "zero" effect

First define, is there any need for feeding. If the soil substrate has recently been replaced, it has a sufficient and balanced content of elements, means, no need for any fertilizer. Starting to use sticks, give up other feedings, otherwise, nutrient imbalances can be caused. If you want to add the next portion, remove the remnants of the old (better to "underfeed"). Feed only healthy, actively growing flowers.

Reality

Have you checked the expiration date?

It must be indicated on the package. Most fertilizer sticks comply with EU regulations (European standards). The product was developed by specialists from research centers in conjunction with experts in the field of indoor floriculture, and his tests are carried out in botanical institutions.

Do you think that sticks are not very helpful for plant development?

So try another manufacturer's fertilizer or switch to alternative fertilizing methods.

MYTH 5

Food is unevenly distributed.

Reality

So that nutrients are evenly distributed in the soil and benefit the plant, you must strictly follow the instructions for use. It often indicates the volume of the pot and the required number of sticks.. Remember, that when using such fertilizer, the substrate should be shed evenly. If the pot is wide, why not stick parts of the stick around the circumference?

IMPORTANT!

Sticks are best used in the spring before the shoots start to grow.. Kinds, blooming in winter, support since late autumn.

Water the plant well before use.

If signs of unhealthy soil are present, refrain from feeding.

FERTILIZERS IN STICKS – VIDEO