Over-feeding can be worse than underfeeding, so it pays to read instructions on fertilisers carefully
PHOTO: JASON INGRAM
House plants are like babies: they are entirely reliant on us for all their needs. Once you’ve satisfied their need for light and water, it’s important to remember that they also crave nutrients, served up in the form of fertiliser. The basic rule of thumb is this: when house plants are putting out new growth, it’s wise to feed them periodically. For some plants from tropical regions, this will be all year round: other species, for instance cacti and succulents, go dormant for a period in winter and do not need to be fed at this time. Whenever and however you feed, it’s vital to read the instructions on your specific fertiliser packaging and stick to its suggested application rates: adding too much feed can damage plants by burning the roots.
Many house plants will be fine if given a general-purpose house plant feed, but some have specific needs that mean it is worth investing in a specialist fertiliser: in particular, orchids, cacti and succulents, citrus and air plants. Aplant’s nutrient needs vary according to how the plant grows, and this is dictated by the landscape where it grows wild. For instance, plants in the cactus genus Opuntia come from hot, dry climates in North and South America and have evolved to cope with low-nutrient conditions, while large, leafy aroids such as Monstera deliciosa come from places rich with vegetation, so the soil tends to be nutrient-rich. They put out long feeder roots from their stems to access additional food and water from the soil, even as they grow through tree canopies.