The Potting Goblin
Plants don't need a multivitamin everyday
Fertilizer helps plants grow, but more isn't always better. In fact, overdoing it is a fast way to burn roots, stunt growth, or invite pests. The goal isn't to pump your plant full of chemicals--it's to give it a little extra boost when it's actively growing.
What to Know:
Only fertilize during active growth. Usually spring through early fall. If your plant hasn't grown a new leaf in a month, hold off.
Less is more. Start at half-strength and work up. You can always add more next time--you can't un-burn a root.
Don't fertilize a stressed plant. Droopy, overwatered, just-repotted? Wait until it's stable again.
Watch the salt. White crusty buildup on soil or pot edges is caused by salt and minerals. This can be due to fertilizer and/or basic water quality. Water softener systems will make this happen quicker. Skip a round of fertilizer and flush the pot with water.
What We Use:
We use a general-purpose plant fertilizer mixed into our watering schedule--but only when plants are in active growth mode. Currently we are using 'Pennington's Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food' with great success. We are not sponsored or affiliated with any brands we use or recommend.