Houseplants grow ‘faster, bushier and bigger' with the help of homemade fertiliser
Gardeners back one ingredient that helps promote rapid growth in houseplants.
As houseplants enter their growth season with the warmer days, a few strategic additions to their feed can significantly enhance their health and vitality.
One of the most beneficial ingredients for plant owners to consider is Epsom salt, which is rich in magnesium and offers a host of benefits for indoor plants.
The Lazy Gardener said it is important to choose organic over chemical fertilisers to create a nutritious substrate.
Epsom salt, chemically known as magnesium sulfate, is an excellent choice for promoting faster, bushier, and bigger plant growth.
“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 is highly versatile and beneficial for indoor plants, enhancing nutrient uptake and promoting vigorous growth and lush foliage.
A gardening enthusiast from Voice of Plant added: "Epsom salt helps improve the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting vigorous growth and lush foliage."
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This makes it particularly effective for indoor foliage plants like ferns, philodendrons, ZZ plants, aglaonema, syngonium, areca palm, spider plant, and pothos.
A simple yet effective method to use Epsom salt is by mixing two tablespoons of crystals with a gallon of water, then feeding this mixture to plants once a month between regular waterings.
This boosts chlorophyll levels in plant cells, improving photosynthesis and overall plant health.
David Denyer, a gardening expert at Eflorist, also recommends Epsom salts for "heavy feeders" like rose bushes.
He explained: "They require a good amount of nutrients to thrive and produce those beautiful blooms.
“For a natural nitrogen boost and to encourage new cane growth, top-dress the soil around the plant base with alfalfa and sprinkle some Epsom salts.
“Remember to water thoroughly after applying any fertiliser."
