Plants grown in pots quickly use up the reserves that the substrate can offer them. This results in deficiencies and the plants are more prone to diseases and parasites. To avoid these problems, it is important to know how to feed them well.
A substrate always at the top
The root system of the plant lives in a restricted substrate when it is cultivated in pot. Contrary to a plant in the ground which can 'send' its roots deeper or spread them out at will, a potted plant can quickly be in pain and lacking in nutrients.
To overcome this problem, you must first make sure that the chosen substrate is of very good quality and corresponds to the real needs of the plant.
After a while, despite everything, the roots end up occupying the whole pot, it is then time to repot in a larger container, ideally in early spring. When repotting, add slow-release fertilizer balls to the substrate, or even crushed horn to facilitate the restart.
If the pot is too heavy or too large, you can consider a topdressing with good potting soil and compost to feed your plant.
Natural fertilizers
Throughout its growth, the plant needs to be accompanied. Natural amendments such as compost, coffee grounds or tea leaves will bring nutrients to your plants.
Purins are also very effective, especially nettle purin which really boosts vegetation.
Keep also the water of cooking of your vegetables which abounds in nutrients for your plants.
Finally, think of organic fertilizers to scratch every two months during the growth period, such as ground horn powder or dried blood, which work wonders without ever risking burning the roots or weakening your plants.
Chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers have a 'kick-start' action because they bring nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in rapidly assimilable quantities.
These fertilizers are divided into several families.
The best known are liquid fertilizers that are added to the water regularly (always after a very abundant watering to avoid burning the roots and respecting the doses). These fertilizers are dosed in a very specific way according to the targeted plants. The N/P/K dosage varies: for example, for green plants, the proportion of nitrogen will be more important to promote the development of foliage, while for flowering plants, phosphorus and potassium will be preferred. Fortunately, manufacturers have thought of everything and package their fertilizers under meaningful names such as 'Special fertilizer for indoor plants', 'Special fertilizer for geraniums' etc...
Liquid fertilizers also exist in foliar form, which means that they are sprayed directly on the foliage for an even faster action.
Another possibility is powder fertilizers, which will be diluted in the water or granulated fertilizers. These last ones exist in 'whiplash' version or in slow release in the form of balls or dice which are added to the substrate and which allow to be quiet during several months.
