Houseplants will be entering their growth season as days get warmer, and a few additions to their feed could help them thrive.
Thanks to its magnesium content, epsom salt is one of the most beneficial ingredients plant owners can feed their foliage.
The Lazy Gardener writes: “To make nutritious, organic substrate, we can choose between organic or chemical fertilisers.
"Good quality Epsom salt fertilisers can be a great choice to make them grow faster, bushier and bigger."
“Manures, compost and bone meal are examples of organic fertilisers obtained directly from plant or animal sources, while the inorganic fertilisers undergo a thorough manufacturing process. Fertilisers can also be of various forms - liquid, powdered or even granular.
“Are you wondering how to use them? To add fertilisers, scratch the soil using a cultivator. Apply the fertiliser by gently pouring or spreading it depending on the form.
“The last step? Simply water well. Because roots can go several feet beyond the drip line, make sure fertiliser is fanned out broad enough to reach all of them”.
Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is a versatile compound with several benefits for indoor plants.
Gardening and plant enthusiasts have long used it as a natural remedy to enhance plant growth and overall health.
The component is key in an organic garden, as it is an affordable, gentle, treatment for well-tended plants, both indoors and out.
A gardening enthusiast at Voice of Plant, said: “Epsom salt helps improve the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, promoting vigorous growth and lush foliage.
“Epsom salt can promote lush foliage and vibrant green colour in indoor foliage plants like ferns, philodendrons, ZZ plant, Aglanema, Syngonium, Areca Palm, Spider plant, Pothos (Money plant), etc…”
One beneficial way to use Epsom salt as a supplement for plants is by mixing two tablespoons of crystals with a gallon of water.
This water can be fed to plants once each month in between regular watering,
Because Epsom salt boosts chlorophyll levels in plant cells, it improves photosynthesis, which is the process used by plants to convert light.
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David Denyer, a gardening expert at Eflorist, detailed the best fertilisers for the 'heavy feeders', naming Epsom salts and alfalfa as top ingredients.
“They require a good amount of nutrients to thrive and produce those beautiful blooms,” the green-thumbed enthusiast told GB News.
“When it comes to fertilising your rose bushes, provide them with a boost of nitrogen either by using a rose-specific fertiliser formulated for spring feeding, or by going the organic route.
“For a natural nitrogen boost and to encourage new cane growth for more, top-dress the soil around the plant base with alfalfa and sprinkle some Epsom salts. Remember to water thoroughly after applying any fertiliser.”
