First and foremost, it is imperative to comprehend that, owing to the limited volume of soil in pots, potted plants primarily derive essential nutrients from artificial fertilization.
The judicious application of fertilizers profoundly influences the quality of potted plant growth and the quantity and quality of their flowers or fruits.
Therefore, when cultivating potted plants at home, it is essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of the attributes of commonly used fertilizers and the specific nutrient requirements at various growth stages of potted plants.
Nutrient Requirements In the realm of plant growth and development, a panoply of nutrient elements is required, encompassing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, zinc, manganese, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Among these, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen can be procured from the atmosphere and water, whereas the majority of other elements necessitate absorption from the cultivation substrate.
The preeminent demand is for primary elements, namely nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, exceeding the typical soil content, thus mandating the inclusion of supplementary fertilizers.
Medium elements such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and various trace elements incur lower demand and are typically met by most soils. However, instances of deficiency necessitate additional supplementation.
Types of Fertilizers Fertilizers commonly fall into two principal categories: organic farmyard manure and inorganic chemical fertilizers.
Organic Farmyard Manure Sources of organic manure encompass well-fermented poultry and livestock excrement, various cake fertilizers, horn and bone meal, and decomposed plant residues and straw.
Due to variations in type and provenance, the content of efficacious components within organic manure exhibits substantial divergence. Nevertheless, most organic manures qualify as complete fertilizers, replete with a plethora of essential nutrients for plant growth and an abundance of organic matter.
For optimal utilization by plants, organic manure necessitates fermentation and decomposition, endowing it with a gradual and protracted nutrient release. Frequent application of organic manure efficaciously ameliorates soil structure, engendering enhanced porosity, moisture retention, root proliferation, and the stimulation of rhizosphere microorganism activity.
Critical considerations include:
Poultry and Livestock Manure: Poultry manure typically boasts heightened organic matter content, with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content surpassing that of livestock manure. Prior to application, thorough fermentation, decomposition, and sterilization are requisite to obviate the risk of plant disease.
Various Cake Fertilizers: Cake fertilizers, whether rich in primary elements or trace elements, are replete with nutrients. However, these nutrients exist in organic states, necessitating fermentation and decomposition to convert them into inorganic forms for plant absorption.
Fresh Cake Fertilizers and Poultry/Livestock Manure: The fermentation and decomposition of fresh cake fertilizers, poultry manure, and livestock manure yield organic acids and heat. Injudicious application may compromise plant roots and seedlings, and therefore, direct incorporation into potting soil is contraindicated.
Matured Organic Manure: Well-fermented organic manure may be blended into the potting soil as a base fertilizer. It can also be diluted with water and employed as a liquid fertilizer for supplementary feeding.
Inorganic Chemical Fertilizers Inorganic chemical fertilizers typically contain one or more primary nutrient elements. They feature a high nutrient concentration, rapid efficacy, and facile application.
Within the domestic flower and plant market, a profusion of flower fertilizers is available, primarily comprising compound fertilizers. Tailored formulations and models cater to diverse flower types and growth stages. The "Huabao" series of flower fertilizers, ranging from 1 to 5, has garnered enduring popularity and demonstrated efficacy. Each model corresponds to specific plants and is distinguishable by packaging color, complemented by comprehensive usage instructions. Prudent selection is paramount.
Salient considerations encompass:
Fertilizer Dosage: Precision in fertilizer application concerning quantity and concentration is imperative to forestall over-fertilization, which may imperil plant health.
Prolonged Use of Chemical Fertilizers: Sustained utilization of chemical fertilizers alone can occasion soil compaction.
Integration of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers: In practice, a judicious amalgamation of organic and inorganic fertilizers is commonplace.
Fertilization Principles Scientific fertilization of potted plants hinges upon the confluence of myriad factors, including plant species, growth requisites, and the nutrient lacunae in the potting substrate. Attaining this balance demands the accrual of experiential knowledge. In broad terms, the exuberant growth phase demands a surfeit of nitrogen, followed by phosphorus and potassium. However, the flowering, fruiting stages, and impending overwintering mandate increased phosphorus and potassium. The ensuing principles must be adhered to:
Fertilization by Plant Type: Distinct plants exhibit specific predilections for particular fertilizers. Azaleas, camellias, and gardenias in southern regions evince a proclivity for acidic fertilizers. Foliage plants have an affinity for nitrogen. Large-flowered potted plants like chrysanthemums require substantial complete fertilizer before flowering. Fruit-bearing plants necessitate water and fertilizer modulation during flowering, demanding increased complete fertilizer during fruiting. Bulbs and fragrant flowers derive benefit from heightened phosphorus and potassium. Hydroponic plants necessitate vigilance regarding nutrient solution concentration and pH.
Fertilization Timing: During spring and autumn, when plants are in the zenith of growth, heightened water and fertilizer dispensation is advised. Sweltering summers warrant augmented watering and diluted fertilization. Harsh winters dictate decreased or suspended fertilization.
Fertilization Commensurate with Growth: Manifestations of languid growth, attenuated leaves, and periods antedating budding, bud formation, and post-rainfall precipitate augmented fertilization. Conversely, periods of vigorous growth, sprouting, flowering, rainy seasons, and dormancy necessitate diminished fertilization.
Fertilization Prohibitions: Preclude the application of unfermented organic fertilizer and prioritize the fermentation and decomposition of organic manure. Guard against highly concentrated fertilizer application; adopt a regimen of dilution and post-fertilization watering. Abstain from fertilizing during scorching midday hours when soil temperatures are elevated, and circumvent direct contact between plant roots and fertilizers.
Fertilization Modalities Fertilization modalities are chiefly classified as "base fertilization" and "topdressing."
Base Fertilization: When preparing potting soil, a measured volume of well-fermented cake fertilizer or alternative organic fertilizers is incorporated into the soil mixture. This engenders a stable and protracted nutrient delivery system.
Topdressing: Following potting, due to the confined volume of potting soil, periodic fertilization during distinct growth phases becomes obligatory.
Root Zone Topdressing: Within growth seasons, apply diluted fertilizer to the root zone weekly, with concentrations maintained below 0.3%. Gradually reduce or cease fertilization as temperatures decline and plants enter dormancy.
Foliar Topdressing: Employ a sprayer to deliver diluted fertilizer (below 0.3%) directly onto foliage. This modality facilitates rapid rectification of nutrient deficits through foliar absorption, recognized as "foliar topdressing." It is ideally suited for periods of fervent growth and when micronutrient deficiencies are apparent.
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of products facilitating precise irrigation and fertilization, delivering exceptional outcomes for potted plants.
Summary of Experience For potted plants, particularly those indigenous to acidic soils as common in southern regions, two fertilizer formulations merit recommendation:
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Ferrous Sulfate Liquid: Prepare a mixture of black ferrous sulfate, cake fertilizer, and water in a 1:4:100 ratio. Allow fermentation for 20-30 days, followed by the separation of solid residues. Employ the clear liquid for the desired application. This approach has garnered pronounced effectiveness.
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Urea Iron: Urea iron, a novel chelated fertilizer, exhibits a nitrogen content of 34% and an iron content of 8.5%. It manifests as blue-green crystalline crystals, readily soluble in water. For plants favoring acidic soils, a 0.1% diluted liquid fertilizer is recommended for foliar topdressing, offering superior efficacy compared to solitary applications of ferrous sulfate and urea.
In conclusion, this treatise provides a comprehensive survey of potted plant fertilizer management. It is imperative to adopt a holistic approach to the management of "soil," "water," and "fertilizer" when tending to potted flowers and fruits. Through diligent observation and practical application, the successful cultivation of these plants can be ensured.