The care that plants need does not only have to do with light and the frequency and amount of water they receive. Another of the most important, and often forgotten, attention is related to providing them with the fertilizer they need and with adequate assiduity. Fertilizer is a substance, which can be both organic and inorganic, containing a whole series of nutrients necessary for plants, and which can be assimilated by them in different ways. Its function is focused on stimulating growth and also helping them maintain good health.
For all these reasons, providing them with fertilizer on a regular basis will be essential care, but it will be essential to know when and how to do it. Something that will also depend on the type of plant in question and its size, although some general references can be taken and they will be very useful.
The first thing to take into account is the time of year, since the appropriate time to fertilize the plants will be from spring to October. This is because during the coldest months, in winter, the plants enter a vegetative state, so they do not need to receive this sustenance. Although this does not always happen, it will depend on the type of plant. For example, those that maintain their flowers throughout the year, such as geraniums, do receive fertilizer.
Another aspect to take into account is the frequency. In this sense, it is advisable to be aware of the difference between a plant that is in a pot and one that is planted directly in the ground. The first will require a greater frequency of fertilization, generally they should be paid approximately every two weeks. On the other hand, plants that are not in a pot will receive their fertilizer once a month.
Two situations can occur with the fertilizer. The first is that they are given too much, and the second, not enough. To know if the appropriate amount is being provided to the plant, we will have to look at some details.
One way to know if a plant is receiving an excessive amount of fertilizer is to look at the leaves. If they have brown spots or even appear burnt, the plant should be allowed to rest for a while. And, when resuming the fertilizer, reduce the amount.
On the contrary, plants that do not receive enough fertilizer have a yellowish color, especially on the leaves. In addition, their growth usually slows down considerably. In this situation, the ideal would be to increase the amount of fertilizer that is being provided to that plant.
