Feeding fatty plants with sugar may seem like strangeness, but it is a surprisingly effective technique to improve its health and resistance to parasites.
Who has some succulent plants At home – Cactus, Dracaena, Aloe and the like – knows how fascinating they are in their simplicity. They require a few care, it’s true, but sometimes it takes little to see them really change marches. One of the most curious tips, which circulates more and more between enthusiasts and expert farmers, is precisely this: to give some sugar to plants. Not randomly, of course.
It seems that the sugar, used carefully, can stimulate the vitality of the plants, making the leaves more shiny and promoting flowering. Some call it a small “sweet” trick to support the plant in moments of stress or during seasonal changes. And who knows, maybe even to make an old cactus re -uttered for months. It’s worth trying, right? Few ingredients are enough and a pinch of patience. Better still if you understand why it works and how to do not exaggerate.
Why is sugar good for fatty plants?
It has nothing to do with magic, but a little chemistry and a lot of observation. Apparently, small doses of sugar help plants a Breast stress better – we think of excessive heat or a recent repotting – and they can also limit the attack of parasites. It is as if the ground, enriched by this mixture, became more “alive”. In fact, the sugar stimulates the microflora in the soil, promoting useful bacteria and organisms that help the roots better absorb nutrients. Result? A more robust plant and less subject to sudden weakening. Some growers also recommend it for those plants that struggle to bloom or show signs of yellowing.
Obviously, exaggerating is not convenient. Too much sugar can lead to rot or imbalances in the pH of the ground. But with the right doses, the benefits are noticed quickly.
How to prepare a DIY sugary fertilizer
The beauty of this method is that strange, unobtainable or expensive products are not needed. No laboratory alchemy: everything you usually need is already at home. A few vegetable waste, a little raw sugar made from breakfast, water. That’s all. And the beauty is that it does not even require too much time or experience. Here’s how you can proceed, in a simple, practical and stressful way:
- 1 kg of plant material (dry leaves, peel, vegetable remains)
- 1 kg of dark sugar (better if of cane or molasses)
- 4 liters of water
Mix everything in a large container and let it ferment for about a week. The perfume will not be the best, but it is normal. When the mixture appears liquid and slightly cloudy, everything is filtered and only the liquid is preserved.
To use it, just dilute a cup of this fertilizer in about 4 liters of water. Nothing more. And if desired, you can also experience richer variants, with yeast to increase biological activity or coffee grounds for a touch of nitrogen.
The important thing is not to overdo it: it is better to start with minimal doses and observe the reaction of the plants. Some may want more time to answer, others instead show improvements already after a few days.
Application techniques and small mistakes to avoid
There are various ways to apply this “sweet potion”. The most common is the watering, but you can also try light spraying on the leaves or, if you are patients, small compresses with soaked paper.
Some useful advice:
- Choose the less hot hours of the day
- Avoid using it on plants already affected by mold
- Do not repeat too often: every two or three weeks is more than enough
A widespread mistake is to think that more sugar is equivalent to better results. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like this. The soil could become too compact, or worse, develop mold or harmful bacteria. Even ignoring the importance of drainage is risky: excess water, especially in combination with sugars, creates the perfect environment for the roots to rot.
Better to use terracotta or breathable materials, and do not forget to alternate these treatments with normal watering. Each plant has its time, and it is worth respecting them.
Because more and more people choose natural fertilizers such as sugar
There is a new sensitivity, perhaps linked to the desire to slow down and take care of things more carefully. Choosing to nourish their plants with simple ingredients such as sugar is not only an ecological choice, but also an almost affectionate gesture. As if you want to offer the plant something genuine.
Those who have a green thumb (or try) know that there is no single way to grow a plant well. But experimenting, listening, observing … this is the difference. And to share these discoveries on the net, in the forums or even only with passionate friends, creates a nice connection between those who love to cultivate.
In the end, using sugar for fatty plants is not just a curiosity to try. It is a small sweet revolution that can make more pleasant – and surprising – the routine of those who love green.
It takes little: a jar, a little patience and the desire to see what happens.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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