Promoting Indoor Plant Growth With Homemade Fertilizers
Gardening indoors can be a very rewarding experience as you bring nature on the inside, indoor plants, however, needs special care in order to perform at their best. As an interior plantscape designer, I was employed at a five-star resort many years ago where I was given the awesome task along with my team to ensure that the interiors were always polished and decorated with garden plants which we really did a great job at.
But in order for indoor plants to perform at their best, there are many requirements that must be met among fertilizers which are so vital to plant growth and development.
Although fertilizers have their place and are beneficial to indoor plants, if they are used incorrectly can cause more harm than good. That’s why it is so important before applying these fertilizers (synthetics) to read and follow the manufactures label as directed because the label is the law.
Another approach to feeding your indoor plants which is safe providing your garden plants with the nutrients they need while saving you that hard-earned dollar is to go organic by using items that can be found around your home.
These methods have been around for a while and have proven to be effective, so to know what these proven methods are which can save your hard-earned dollar continue reading as you garden the safe way.
Homemade fertilizer for indoor plants
7 proven methods to fertilize your indoor plants
A fish tank
1. Who doesn’t love tropical fish? as a child, tropical fish was one of my favorite and it is still to this day But do you know that the water from your fish aquarium can be used to benefit indoor plants, when changing the water don’t pour it down the drain but rather give this water to your indoor plants?
The water from a fish tank contains the three major elements or building blocks for plants which are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, I am sure your indoor plants will love you for this.
Epsom Salt
2. Epsom Salt is used to take away pain after a hard day’s work but do you know that Epsom salt is beneficial for plant growth. Place one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a one-gallon jug of water shake well and add to a 32 oz spray bottle, apply to your plant’s foliage (leaves) once a month will supply your garden plants with the needed sulfur and magnesium.
Eggshells
3. The use of eggshells has proven to be very effective when it’s used in the garden. After you have that sumptuous breakfast of scramble eggs save the eggshells, as you include eggs in your favorite recipes save those shells also.
When you have sufficient eggshells that are dried place these shells in a plastic bag and with your fist or some other hard object lightly break the eggshells up, once done take the eggshells and sprinkle around your plants. As the eggshells break down will add calcium to your garden soil which in turn is taken up by your plant’s root.
Coffee Ground
4. A hot beverage which can be found mostly during the morning hours is coffee, it is so amazing how a fresh pot of coffee smells especially after we have gotten a good night’s rest, the aroma how delicious. This drink is a favorite of many worldwide, do you know that coffee grounds can be used to give your indoor plants a boost.
Add your coffee grounds to a water jug and water in a circular motion around your indoor plants. Coffee ground contains potassium and magnesium which is beneficial for a plant’s growth.
Fruit Peels
5. Fruit peels can be used to benefit your indoor plants, this process is so simple but can work wonders. Gather and save fruit peels, once you have about a cup and a half soak the fruit peels in cold water for 24 hours. Remove the fruit peels and use the water to fertilize your indoor plants.
Green Tea
6. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants which can help our bodies to get rid of free radicals that are harmful. Green tea can also be used to boost the health and development of your indoor plants.
Use one teabag to 2 gallons of water, let the tea bag draw for potency or full strength, and pour around your indoor plants.
Baking Soda
7. Baking soda can be used in so many ways from baking goods to pesticides, adjusting a soil’s ph and so much more. This wonder powder can also be used to keep your cut flowers fresh costing them to last a lot longer. Place a teaspoon of baking soda in your flower vase and you are good to go.
Addition information for growing and caring for indoor plants successfully
Proper Lighting
1. Ensure that your indoor plants are getting the proper lighting. A reason why so many indoor plants die is that they are not getting sufficient lighting so make the proper lighting priority by getting the info on their lighting requirements.
The right amount of water
2. Water is so important to a plant’s growth and development, but different plant species having different water needs so know the difference to ensure that your indoor plants are getting the right amount of water.
Humidity
3. Humidity plays an important part in caring for indoor plants, make sure this is met also.
Insect Pests
4. Insect pests can do a number on indoor plants, as an interior plantscape technician, I have had my share of insect pests which will turn your dream plants into a nightmare so watch out for these uninviting guest and treat accordingly.
Dust build-up
5. Dust build-up can take away the beauty from an indoor plant so keep on hand a feather duster or a piece of clean cloth to keep your indoor plant dust-free.
Containers with drain holes
6. Ensure that the container or containers have drain holes to allow excess water to escape otherwise if water remains trapped in the container with no way to drain will lead to root rot and if immediate action is not taken your plant will eventually die.
7. A Saucer
A saucer should be provided to catch this water that drains. Every few days the saucer should be emptied.
The final word
Keeping your indoor plants in tip-top shape doesn’t have to be costly, just follow these proven methods which work wonders. These safe methods can be used around children and pets which is also another benefit. With these methods, you get the best of both worlds so go for it, I know you will be glad that you did. Homemade indoor fertilizers, organic gardening the easy way while saving your hard-earned dollar.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.