Different Types of Fertiliser

What fertiliser is best for your Plants?

Entering the world of plant fertilisers can be a daunting endeavour, especially when you currently have plants under the weather that you believe need a quick fix.

Many questions arise the more you search, granular or liquid? Synthetic or organic? What is NPK? But worry no longer, as in this blog, we will answer each question and ensure you find the right plant food for your garden.

Contents:

1. Introduction to Plant Foods

2. Granular Fertilisers for Slow-Release Feeding

• Characteristics and benefits
• Ideal usage scenarios
• Example plants

3. Liquid Fertilisers for Fast-Acting Nutrients

• Characteristics and benefits
• Application methods
• Example plants

4. Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilisers: What's the Difference?

• Organic fertilisers: Benefits and examples
• Synthetic fertilisers: Benefits and examples
• Comparison of effectiveness and application frequency

5. Specialised Fertilisers for Specific Plant Needs

• Fertilisers for Flowering Plants
• Fertilisers for Acid-Loving Plants
• Fertilisers for Succulents and Cacti
• Fertilisers for Leafy Greens
• Fertilisers for Root Vegetables

6. Choosing the Right Fertiliser for Your Plants

Understanding the Different Types of Fertilisers for Plants

Fertilisers, or plant foods, are essential for providing plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. Different types of fertilisers cater to various plant requirements and growing conditions, making it crucial to understand their functions to select the best option for your plants.

Granular Fertilisers for Slow-Release Feeding

Granular fertilisers are applied in solid form and gradually decompose in the soil, releasing nutrients over an extended period. This type of fertiliser is ideal for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance approach to plant feeding.

Granular fertilisers offer a steady supply of nutrients, reducing the need for frequent application. They are particularly beneficial for outdoor and garden use, where long-term feeding is advantageous.

Liquid Fertilisers for Fast-Acting Nutrients

Liquid fertilisers, on the other hand, are diluted with water and applied directly to the soil or sprayed onto the leaves. They provide immediate nutrient availability, making them perfect for plants needing a quick boost.

Liquid fertilisers allow precise control over nutrient dosage and are excellent for indoor and container plants. They are particularly useful for addressing specific deficiencies or promoting rapid growth.

 

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilisers: What's the Difference?

Organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources, such as compost, manure, bone meal, and fish emulsion. They improve soil health by enhancing its structure and microbial activity, promoting long-term plant vitality through a slow-release nutrient supply. Organic fertilisers are ideal for sustainable gardening practices.

In contrast, synthetic fertilisers are composed of chemical compounds that offer exact nutrient formulations (Cherlinka, 2024). They are highly effective for quick nutrient uptake and are often used to meet specific plant needs.

However, they may require more frequent application compared to organic options.

Specialised Fertilisers for Specific Plant Needs

Certain houseplants and garden plants require specialised fertilisers to thrive. These fertilisers are formulated to meet the unique nutrient needs of different plant types, ensuring optimal growth and health.

1. Fertilisers for Flowering Plants
• Phosphorus-Rich Fertilisers: Designed to enhance flowering and fruit development, these fertilisers contain higher levels of phosphorus (P). They support robust blooming and are ideal for houseplants like African violets and orchids, as well as garden vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. A well-balanced phosphorus-rich fertiliser encourages prolific flowering and healthy fruit production.
2. Fertilisers for Acid-Loving Plants
• Acidic Fertilisers: Formulated to lower soil pH, these fertilisers are perfect for plants that thrive in acidic conditions. They provide nutrients in a form that is readily absorbed by acid-loving plants. Examples include azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons.
3. Fertilisers for Succulents and Cacti
• Low-Nitrogen Fertilisers: Succulents and cacti need less nitrogen to avoid excessive, weak growth. Fertilisers with balanced or low nitrogen levels are ideal for these plants (Johnson, 2023). Aloe vera, Echeveria, and Opuntia (prickly pear) are examples of plants that benefit from these types of fertilisers.
4. Fertilisers for Leafy Greens
• High-Nitrogen Fertilisers: Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and lettuce, require more nitrogen to support vigorous leaf growth. High-nitrogen fertilisers help promote lush, green foliage and can be used for both indoor plants and garden vegetables (Gülüt & Şentürk, 2024).
5. Fertilisers for Root Vegetables
• Balanced Fertilisers: Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes benefit from fertilisers that provide a balanced mix of nutrients. These fertilisers support healthy root development and overall plant health.

By selecting the appropriate fertiliser for each type of plant, you can ensure that your houseplants and garden plants receive the nutrients they need for optimal growth and productivity.

Choosing the Right Fertiliser for Your Plants

Selecting the appropriate fertiliser depends on your plant’s specific nutrient requirements and the existing soil conditions. Understanding these factors will guide you in choosing the most suitable fertiliser type for optimal plant health.

For general plant maintenance, a balanced fertiliser with equal parts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is effective. However, for plants with specific needs, you might opt for high-nitrogen blends to promote leafy growth or high-potassium formulas for better flowering.

By aligning fertiliser choices with plant needs and soil conditions, you can support robust plant growth and vitality.

References:

• Cherlinka, V. (2024). Organic Vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Pros, Cons, And Which To Use. Eos.com. 

• Gülüt, K. Y., & Şentürk, G. G. (2024). Impact of nitrogen fertilizer type and application rate on growth, nitrate accumulation, and postharvest quality of spinach. PeerJ, 12, e17726. 

• Johnson, S. (2023). Fertilizers explained. Cacti Guide.