Interior plants have an unparalleled way of bringing nature right into our living rooms. Whether you are a fan of the desert dwelling cacti or desire a bathroom dripping in tropical Dracaena, your houseplant care will reflect in the health and beauty of your chosen specimens. Feeding your green companions is as important as providing the correct lighting and water, especially since the plants are literally captives. Container plants need supplemental nutrients much more than in-ground plants because the fertility in the container is limited, and nutrients go into the plant but have no way in which to be replenished. There are a variety of fertilizers on the market, but The Espoma Company’s line of organic indoor plant foods are uniquely formulated for very specific plant types. Providing the correct blend of nutrients for your plants, Espoma fertilizers are safe, gentle and easy to use.
You wouldn’t want to give the same blend of nutrients to an acid-loving African violet that you would to a foliar darling such as a Philodendron. Choosing the right ratio of plant food ensures that the most needed nutrients are provided and plants are at their optimum health. Companies like Espoma make selection and use a no brainer with specific formulas developed for individual groups of plants. It is not necessary to translate traditional fertilizer ratios in order to figure out how much nutrients your plant needs. Instead, a general purpose houseplant formula that promotes green leaves and maximum growth is right at your fingertips.
Products for cactus, orchids and African violets are specific to those types of plants. For instance, the all-purpose food is a ratio of 2-2-2, providing an even balance of the macronutrients, while cacti plants that need less nitrogen are fed with a 1-2-2. Such a formula has less nitrogen but an equal distribution of phosphorus and potassium. African violets and orchids also have their own formulas, which are higher in phosphorus. Phosphorus is important to a plant’s ability to set buds and produce flowers – traits that are desired in orchids and violets. Espoma’s liquid plant foods also provide kelp extract, humic acids and beneficial microbes to enhance plant well-being. In this way, each selected group of plants gets the right food for its type of growth, flowering and health.
The method you use to feed your plants can vary dependent upon the product you choose; however, liquid foods are convenient, easy to measure and use, and are almost instantly taken up by plant roots. If you use the formula made for your specific plant, there is very little chance of foliar or root burn. Additionally, organic formulas are gentle and safe to use around children and pets, which is an important consideration in the space we call home. Pre-measured amounts are the next best thing to having an expert horticulturist in the home “” just flip, fill and feed. Espoma products are designed for individual types of plants and are a simple solution to houseplant fertilizing. Plus, they are CDFA certified organic, which means they are one of the most trustworthy products on the market.
Take feeding your houseplants seriously and you will be amazed at the glossy leaves, plump cacti pads, brilliant flowers and overall health with which your plants reward you.
