If we want our potted plants to grow luxuriantly and look beautiful, we must fertilize them regularly. However, you should know that you should not do this all year round. We advise you when to stop feeding the specimens and how to care for them in autumn and winter.
Fertilization may be harmful if we do not finish it at the right time. As a general rule, the last feeding of potted plants should be carried out at the end of summer, i.e. in September. This is when the specimen’s growth rate begins to slow down as it prepares for winter dormancy.
However, it should be mentioned that for some houseplants, incl. among others dracaena, ferns, monstera, ficuses and succulents, this limit extends approximately until mid-October. This is when you should stop fertilizing them.
Of course, there are exceptions, which include species active in winter. These are, for example, orchids or plants that bloom in the colder season. They can be fertilized in autumn and winter, but with a lower dose than in summer.
Stopping fertilization in autumn and winter is very important and results from the natural growth rhythm, which is related to the amount of sunlight. Due to the fact that at this time of year the days become shorter and less and less light enters our homes potted specimens slow down their metabolism and go into a state of rest.
Therefore, the fertilizer applied at this time may not be completely used. Worse still, an excess of other ingredients can harm the plantsleading to yellowing of leaves, inhibition of root development or salinization of the substrate.
Therefore, you should remember about this break and return to fertilization only in spring – in March or April. Then the days become longer and longer and the plants have access to more light, so they enter the phase of intensive growth. This is the perfect time to supply them with nutrients.
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However, we can take care of our plants differently in autumn. Instead of using , it is worth taking care of the daily care of the specimens. First of all, remember to water the specimens, taking into account the fact that in winter the plants need less water. So be careful not to overwater them, as this could cause the roots to rot.
In addition, it is worth regularly cleaning the leaves of the specimens. By getting rid of dust and impurities, we will make it easier plant photosynthesis, which is especially important when it has small amounts of light at its disposal.
In autumn and winter, due to the heating season, we must be aware that the air becomes dry. Therefore, let’s moisturize the plants regularly or simply place them on trays with water and stones. Thanks to this, we will maintain appropriate humidity.
