Everything you need to know about feeding plants
We often get asked about how to feed indoor plants, what to feed them and why you need to feed them. That's why we have put together this guide on all you need to know about plant feeding.
Why do plants need food?
Plants get energy from the photosynthesis process, but plant food (fertiliser) provides additional nutrients that can keep your plant strong and healthy.
To stay in the best health, plants benefit from nutrients, principally nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Fertiliser will often contain these ingredients as they help to encourage strong growth and to fight off disease. Over time potted plants will use up the nutrients in their potting soil and therefore, it is beneficial to top-up these nutrients using fertiliser to help your plant stay in the best condition.
What type of food do plants need?
There are different types of fertiliser suitable for different plants. The most suitable fertiliser for the majority of indoor plants is a balanced liquid fertiliser, which will sometimes need to be diluted to half strength. In general, your plant will only require fertiliser during the growing season (Spring to Autumn).
We sell an organic liquid fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen, potash and phosphates- all the nutrients your plant needs to thrive.
What type of food do plants need?
There are different types of fertiliser suitable for different plants. The most suitable fertiliser for the majority of indoor plants is a balanced liquid fertiliser, which will sometimes need to be diluted to half strength. In general, your plant will only require fertiliser during the growing season (Spring to Autumn).
How often do plants need feeding?
When you receive your plant from The Stem it will already be potted in nutrient-rich soil, so you won't need to feed your plant for at least a couple of months. Each plant will have different feeding requirements, however, plants do not need to be fed all year round- the most important months they need to be fed in are during spring and summer. This is when the plant will be growing the most, therefore the extra nutrients in the fertiliser will benefit the growing process.
As mentioned above, different plants have different needs, so it's best to know as much a possible about the plant you are taking care of so you can keep it strong and healthy. Please refer to our specific plant care and plant feeding instructions for every plant on its product page.
How to Feed your Plants
Feeding plants is easy and takes up little time, a small effort to make your plants happy and healthy.
To feed your plants, all you need to do is add a small amount of liquid fertiliser in your watering can and fill it with water. This will dilute the fertiliser so that it is not too overpowering for your plant (and the fertiliser will last longer!). Water your plant with fertiliser only when necessary, or during the growth period.
Our Plant Feeding Golden Rules
- Plants need feeding when they are growing, so typically in Spring and Summer
- Plants that grow more quickly need feeding more frequently while slow-growing plants (e.g. Cactus) need feeding less often
- Water your plant thoroughly a few days before adding fertiliser, as your plant will absorb nutrients through its roots, so moist soil will help spread the fertiliser
- As with many areas of plant care, it is better to be overly cautious than too bold with fertilising your plant, so it is often best to dilute your plant feed by twice the amount the bottle recommends before feeding your plant
- Flowering plants will need fertilising more frequently
We hope this guide has helped you and answered most of your questions around plant feeding. If you would like to know any more information, please get in touch with us here - our team are always happy to help!