- Don’t fertilise too frequently. While it can be tempting to fertilise more and more to get more lush and beautiful leaves, using too much fertiliser can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can burn plant roots, leading to brown leaf tips and weakened plants.
- Fertilising insufficiently or not at all. While you don't want to overdo it or just think fertilising is not that important, not giving your plants enough nutrients can stunt their growth and make them susceptible to disease.
- Not following instructions on the packaging. Every fertiliser is different and comes with recommended dosages and application frequencies. Make sure you read the label!
- Fertilising dry soil. Applying fertiliser to dry soil can increase the risks of root burn. It's always best to water your plant first, ensuring the soil is moist, then apply the fertiliser.
- If your houseplants are in shock, don't fertilise them. Diseased plants are under significant stress, and their roots already struggle to function normally. They simply can't absorb the fertiliser, the soil might deteriorate, and the already weak roots could suffer further damage.
- If your plants are being attacked by pests, don’t skip fertilising. Sap-sucking insects will deprive your plant of nitrogen, so in order to help your plant resist the attack you need to keep feeding it.
- Avoid fertilising freshly repotted houseplants. When you repot a plant, you typically use fresh potting mix, which usually already contains nutrients. Also, repotting is really stressful for houseplant roots and extra nutrition can be too much for them to handle.
- Don’t ignore the plant’s natural dormant periods. Some houseplants go dormant in the colder months. Fertilising during this period can harm the plant, as it's not actively growing and can't use the extra nutrients.
- Avoid using outdated or expired fertilisers. As fertilisers age, the nutrients can break down and become ineffective. Using expired products might not provide the desired benefits and could even harm plants.
Care Tips
9 Common Fertilizing Mistakes to Avoid for Healthier Houseplants
