Air plants are unique tropical plants that don’t require soil and absorb nutrients and moisture through their leaves. While they are low-maintenance plants, they still need proper care and attention to thrive. One essential aspect of air plant care is fertilizer. In this article, we’ll discuss the best DIY fertilizer for air plants and how to use it properly.
Detailed Discussion on How to Fertilize an Air Plant Best DIY Fertilizer
Before we dive into the DIY fertilizers, let’s understand why air plants need fertilizers and how often you should fertilize them.
Why do air plants need fertilizers?
Air plants, like all plants, need nutrients to grow and thrive. While they can absorb nutrients from the air and water, they may not get all the necessary nutrients from these sources. Fertilizers are formulated to provide the essential nutrients air plants need to stay healthy and grow.
How often should you fertilize air plants?
Air plants are slow-growers and don’t need regular fertilization. As a general rule, you should fertilize your air plants once a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer) and once every two to three months during the dormant season (Fall and Winter).
Now that you know when to fertilize and why let’s discuss the best DIY fertilizers for air plants.
Subheading: DIY Air Plant Fertilizers
1. Eggshell Water: Eggshell water is an excellent source of calcium and other nutrients that air plants need. To make eggshell water, boil a few eggshells in water for about 15 minutes. Cool the water and use it to mist your air plants. Alternatively, you can soak your air plants in eggshell water for 30 minutes once a month.
2. Compost Tea: Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid made from compost that is an excellent natural fertilizer for air plants. To make compost tea, add a handful of compost to a jar filled with water and let it sit for two to three days. Strain the liquid and use it to mist your air plants or soak them in the solution.
3. Banana Peel Tea: Banana peel tea is an excellent source of potassium and phosphorus that air plants need. To make banana peel tea, cut up a banana peel and steep it in boiling water for at least eight hours. Strain the liquid and use it to mist your air plants or soak them in the solution.
4. Diluted Fertilizer: You can use commercial fertilizers on air plants, but make sure to dilute them to half or quarter strength. Apply the diluted fertilizer with a spray bottle or soak the air plants in the solution for about 30 minutes.
Concluding Thoughts on How to Fertilize an Air Plant Best DIY Fertilizer
Air plants are unique and fascinating plants that require minimal care. However, fertilizing them is essential to maintain their health and growth. The best DIY fertilizers for air plants are eggshell water, compost tea, banana peel tea, and diluted commercial fertilizers. Remember to fertilize your air plants once a month during the growing season and once every two to three months during the dormant season.
FAQs about How to Fertilize an Air Plant Best DIY Fertilizer
Q. Can I use regular plant fertilizer on air plants?
A. Yes, you can use commercial plant fertilizers on air plants, but make sure to dilute them to half or quarter strength.
Q. Can I fertilize my air plants too often?
A. Yes, over-fertilizing your air plants can harm them. Follow the recommended fertilizing schedule to avoid over-fertilizing.
Q. Can I use tap water to make DIY fertilizers?
A. It depends on the quality of the tap water. If your tap water is hard or has a high mineral content, it’s best to use distilled water or rainwater to make DIY fertilizers.
In Conclusion, fertilizing air plants properly is crucial to their growth and health. DIY fertilizers like eggshell water, compost tea, banana peel tea, and diluted commercial fertilizers are excellent sources of nutrients for air plants. It’s essential to understand when and how often to fertilize your air plants and to use the right fertilizer to avoid damaging the plants. With the right care, your air plants will thrive and bloom beautifully.
