When, how much and with what?

Types and forms of fertilizer - advantages and disadvantages

Zamioculcas needs a colorful mix of nutrients to grow and thrive. The main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are required by the foliage plant in large quantities. Other nutrients such as iron or manganese, on the other hand, are only required in smaller doses. They are also known as trace elements. These nutrients must be in a balanced ratio to one another, otherwise growth disorders can occur. Foliage plants like Zamioculcas need a good green plant fertilizer that preferably supports leaf growth. You can choose either short-term or Slow release fertilizer To fall back on:

• In the case of short-term mineral fertilizers, the nutrients can be absorbed by the plants immediately, but they are also used up quickly. Therefore, such fertilizers must be added at regular intervals, which applies to most liquid fertilizers. These are added to the irrigation water and quickly reach the roots.
• With slow-release fertilizers, the nutrients are only gradually available to the plants, but for a longer period of time. Their advantage is that fertilization is seldom required. They are usually administered as granules that are mixed into the substrate or as easy-to-use
  Fertilizer stick(€ 9.82 at Amazon *) or drops that you simply press into the earth.

Properly dose and fertilize

The lucky feather is with a liquid Complete fertilizer optimally supplied for green plants or a corresponding long-term fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer should be given about every four weeks. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly with regard to the dosage and mix the fertilizer solution too weakly rather than too strongly. Stick to the tried and tested rule, it is better to use sparingly often fertilize than rarely in high concentration. In principle, apply the fertilizer only into the substrate; splashes that accidentally get onto the leaves should be rinsed off immediately with plenty of clear water.

When it is better not to fertilize

Sometimes fertilization does more harm than it helps. Freshly repotted plants For example, they do not receive the first fertilizer until after six to eight weeks - at the earliest. Until then, they feed on the supplies available in the fresh substrate. Even sick and pest-infested plants are not fertilized. Only when you are healthy again do you gradually increase the amount of fertilizer. Fresh cuttings also remain unfertilized, as they cannot absorb any nutrients anyway. There is no fertilization in winter either.