| NUTRIENTS -FAQ |
| Not Enough Water |
| Most plants do not exhibit dramatic responses to too little water.
Instead,
growth slows. The foliage may wilt, and brown leaf tips may develop. Lower
leaves turn yellow and fall off. The surface of the growing medium shrinks
away from the growing container, leading to deterioration of the fine root
system. While most plants prefer a short dry period in between waterings,
some require even moisture in the root zone to survive. Poinsettias, for
example, need this to
maintain their green leaves, brightly colored bracts and cyathia (true
flowers).
Color may be lost and leaves may fall if this requirement is not met. |
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| Too Much Water |
| As a rule, plants that receive too much water cease forming new
leaves. The
most recently formed leaves turn dark green, with the margins turning tan
and cracking. The lower leaves wilt; in time, they drop or dry slowly on
the
plant. The stems become dark and mushy; eventually they rot. The surface
of the growing medium becomes green with algae. All sorts of mosses and
ferns may eventually develop on the surfaces of the growing medium and
container. Watering needs to be monitored closely, as some plants need
less moisture than others. Such is the case with established Sansevieria,
which will rot if watered as much as other plants. |
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| Fertilizer Deficit |
| Most rapidly developing plants quickly deplete the nutrient reserves
available in the growing medium. The first sign of trouble is a general
yellowing of the entire plant. Do not apply only nitrogen; use a complete
water-soluble fertilizer. Plants with too little fertilizer tend to turn
pale green while new top leaves ascend. Few side branches develop as the
oldest leaves turn yellow, dry and drop. Nutrients from older leaves are
transferred by the plant to newer growth in the plants struggle to
survive. |
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| Too Much Fertilizers |
Excessive fertilizing generally boosts growth initially by favoring
the
development of large, deep green foliage. But it produces problems later.
Leaf tips on newer growth begin to brown or burn, after which older
foliage begins to turn yellow, burn and fall prematurely. Salt damage to
the root system renders water unavailable to the developing roots. These
dangers are especially applicable to peat-based potting mixes and rockwool.
Plants may rot and die rapidly. Reducing fertilizer applications, removing
the upper crust of the growing medium and leaching excess salts corrects
the condition. |
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| pH Factor |
| The optimum pH for most interior plants is 6.0 to 6.5. In this
slightly acid
range, most nutrients are available for uptake by the roots. Excess
fertilizer will
cause a dramatic drop in pH, locking up nutrients before they can be used
by the plant. Raise pH in soil mixes by watering with a suspension of
hydrated lime at 2 teaspoons per gallon of water. Hydroponic solutions can
be adjusted with
dilute solutions of phosphoric acid to lower pH and potassium hydroxide to
raise the pH level. Do not use fish chemicals to adjust pH. Toxic buildups
can occur. |
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| Do You Have The Right Nutrients? |
| Selecting the right nutrient for your crop is important. Plants with
heavy
vegetation often require increased amounts of nitrogen for a plant's
vegetative cycle and a high phosphorous mix at fruiting time. When you
garden indoors it is important to select a nutrient rich in trace elements
to meet the unique demands of a container plant. |
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