Summer Feeding: To Feed Or Not To Feed Potted Plants

During hot weather, potted plants are susceptible to root damage as the soil can reach temperatures high enough to boil them. To prevent this, it's important to keep potted plants shaded from the afternoon sun and to group containers together so they can shade each other. However, fertilising stressed plants is not recommended. Fertiliser can scorch roots and stems, so it's best to wait until the plant has recovered before feeding it.

Group potted plants together to create a cluster, providing shade for each other

Grouping potted plants together to create a cluster is a great way to provide shade for each plant in the group and protect them from the sun's rays. This is especially important during a heatwave when indoor plants are at risk of damage from the sun and extreme temperatures. By clustering your potted plants, you can mimic the natural growth pattern of plants, which tend to grow in clusters and drifts, interlocking and overlapping with each other.

When grouping potted plants, consider the following:

• Light requirements: Group plants with similar light needs. For example, place tropical plants that enjoy moist conditions together, and keep succulents separate as they prefer drier conditions. Also, consider the amount of light each plant requires and group those that thrive in low light, indirect light, or bright light together accordingly.
• Temperature preferences: Some plants are heat-sensitive and should be kept away from heaters, while others may be cold-sensitive and need to be away from drafty windows. Group plants with similar temperature preferences.
• Watering needs: Plants that require more frequent watering can be grouped together, making it easier to care for them. Similarly, plants that prefer drier conditions can be placed together.
• Pet-friendly considerations: Many plants are toxic to pets, so grouping these plants together and placing them out of reach can help keep your furry friends safe.
• Aesthetic appeal: While functionality is important, you also want your plant cluster to look good. Aim for a mix-and-match of leaf shapes and sizes. Include plants that grow tall, others that ramble, and some that trail. An odd number of plants, like three or five, often creates a visually pleasing arrangement.
• Plant care needs: Choose plants with similar care needs. This will make it easier to tend to them and ensure they all thrive in the same conditions.
• Container colour: The colour of the pot can impact the temperature inside the container, with white or light-coloured pots keeping plant roots cooler. Consider this when grouping your plants, especially if they are in direct sunlight.
• Container type: Different types of containers can impact root growth and temperature. For example, white plastic pots and fibre pots tend to keep root temperatures cooler.
• Watering: Ensure your potted plants are well-watered during hot weather to keep the roots cool. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can drown the deeper roots.

Choose the right feed for your plants

Choosing the right feed for your plants is essential to their health and growth. Here are some tips to help you select the best fertiliser for your plants:

Know Your Plant's Needs

Different plants have different nutritional needs. For example, nitrogen promotes leaf and stem development, phosphorus is good for root growth, and potassium aids in the development of buds and flowers. You can find out what nutrients your plant needs by researching its specific requirements.

Understand Fertiliser Types

Fertilisers come in various forms, including natural or organic, synthetic, granular, and liquid. Natural or organic fertilisers are derived from natural sources and are excellent for improving soil health, but they are usually more expensive. Synthetic fertilisers, on the other hand, come in various NPK formulas and can be tailored to specific plants, such as rose feeds. Granular fertilisers are slow-release, while liquid fertilisers provide a quick dose of nutrients and are usually applied when watering.

Test Your Soil

Before starting any fertilisation regime, it is recommended to test your soil to identify any deficiencies that need addressing. This will help you choose a fertiliser with the right balance of nutrients for your plants.

Feed Regularly

Plants experience growth spurts, so it is important to replenish their nutrients throughout the growing season. Feed your plants regularly, especially during the summer when they are actively growing. However, be careful not to overfeed, as this can scorch plant roots.

Choose the Right Fertiliser for the Right Plant

Some plants have specific fertilisation needs. For example, flowering plants benefit from liquid tomato feed (diluted) to promote buds, while leafy plants do well with high-nitrogen liquid feeds. Cacti, succulents, and hardy annuals, on the other hand, thrive in poor soils and may not require regular feeding.

By following these tips and understanding your plants' unique needs, you can choose the right feed to help them grow strong and healthy.

Feed little and often, instead of big, infrequent doses

When it comes to feeding potted plants, it's important to remember that they are like caged animals; being confined, they rely entirely on their owners for nourishment. Most composts only provide 'starter' nutrients, which are quickly depleted, so it's crucial to start feeding potted plants regularly. However, it's essential to feed them little and often, instead of large, infrequent doses.

The amount of nourishment potted plants require varies depending on their growing conditions, size, and growth rate. It's easy to underfeed or overfeed them. Applying a high concentration of feed all at once can draw moisture out of the plant through reverse osmosis, causing more harm than good. Therefore, it's recommended to start feeding in the spring, perhaps once every two weeks. As the weather warms up and the plants grow more vigorously, increase the frequency to once a week. For heavy feeders or fast-growing plants in large containers, you may need to feed them twice a week.

Liquid feeds are generally preferred for potted plants as it's easier to control the dosage. Choose a high-nitrogen liquid feed for leafy plants and dilute a liquid tomato feed for flowering plants to half or a quarter of its strength to encourage bud growth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution rates and the amount to use. Feed your plants as much liquid as you would use to water them, and don't be tempted to add more.

It's also crucial to remember that stressed plants should not be fed until they have recovered. If your potted plants are suffering from root damage or drought, water them well, and wait for them to perk up before feeding. Feeding is safest when the potting mix is damp, and it's essential to water well after feeding to ensure even distribution of fertiliser around the roots.

Don't feed plants that are under stress

It is important to know when not to feed your plants. If your plant is under stress, it is best not to feed it until it has recovered. This is because when a plant is in survival mode, it is not looking for extra nutrients and is not prepared to make use of them. Introducing these extra nutrients into the soil will risk further stressing your plant.

Some common signs of stress to look out for are:

• Wilting: This is usually due to too much heat or too little water.
• Pale foliage: Foliage that was once bright green may look pale when the plant is stressed.
• Sunburn: This often looks like a rough brown or yellow patch on leaves and stems.
• Dropping flowers and leaves: Flowers and leaves may drop off or yellow when a plant is stressed.

Other signs of stress include root damage, drought, and over or underwatering. If your plant is experiencing any of these issues, it is best to hold off on feeding it until it has had a chance to recover.

Additionally, it is important to note that some plants, such as cacti, succulents, and hardy annuals, perform best in poor soils. Therefore, they may not require regular feeding. It is always a good idea to do some research on the specific needs of your plant to determine the best care practices.

Water effectively, ensuring the root ball is thoroughly wet

Watering your potted plants effectively is essential, especially during hot weather when plants can quickly become dehydrated. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your potted plants receive adequate hydration:

Firstly, it is crucial to water slowly and thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate the soil rather than rushing and having it escape down the sides of the pot. Ensure the water is absorbed by the root ball and soak up any excess water left in the tray or bowl after watering. Leave the plant to absorb the water for 10-20 minutes.

During hot weather, check the soil moisture level more frequently. You can use a moisture meter or the "finger test" - insert your finger into the soil and if it feels dry about 1-2 inches down, it's time to water again. Another sign that your plant needs more water is when the soil pulls away from the sides of the pot, creating a gap.

Be mindful not to overwater, especially with tall pots, as this can cause water to accumulate at the bottom, potentially drowning the deeper roots. It is a delicate balance, but with careful attention to the soil moisture levels and watering techniques, your potted plants will thank you.

Additionally, consider clustering your potted plants together and keeping them shaded from the afternoon sun. Morning sun exposure is ideal, as it is less intense and won't heat up the containers as significantly.

Frequently asked questions