Pothos plants thrive on fertilizer, so proper fertilization is essential to promote their growth and result in lush, vibrant green leaves. So, how should you fertilize a pothos plant? Let's find out below.
1. Fertilizer selection
Pothos needs nitrogen and potassium fertilizers to promote growth. You can choose a fertilizer that is mainly nitrogen-based and supplemented with potassium fertilizer, and apply a urea solution every 10 days or so during the growing season. In addition, you can use a liquid fertilizer specifically for pothos or homemade organic fertilizer , such as fermented rice water, fish tank water, or soybean water.
2. Fertilization frequency
Spring is the peak growing season for pothos and the best time to fertilize; fertilize every 10 days. In summer, due to high temperatures, pothos grows rapidly, so fertilization is appropriate, but not too frequent; fertilize every 15-20 days. In autumn and winter, pothos gradually stops growing, and fertilization is not recommended at this time.
3. Fertilization methods
Fertilizer can be diluted before watering, or sprinkled on the surface of the potting soil before watering, but direct contact between the fertilizer and the leaves or roots of the pothos should be avoided to reduce the risk of chemical burn. Water immediately after fertilizing to help the fertilizer dissolve and promote root absorption.
4. Precautions
(1) Pothos should not be fertilized with concentrated fertilizer. Before fertilizing, the fertilizer should be diluted with water in advance to avoid fertilizer damage caused by excessive concentration.
(2) When fertilizing, the effect of temperature should be taken into account. Fertilizing during the midday high temperature period can easily cause fertilizer damage to the pothos, so it should be avoided.
(3) Nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied alone. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be used in combination. Applying nitrogen fertilizer alone can easily cause excessive growth of branches and leaves.
(4) When fertilizing, pay attention to the condition of the plant. If there are yellow or rotten leaves, it is very likely that the roots are rotten. In this case, do not fertilize.
(5) If it is a hydroponic pothos, you must strictly follow the instructions to mix the nutrient solution with the water. And the frequency of use is usually once or twice a month, and it should not be too frequent.
