What is Foliar Feeding?
Foliar feeding the application of fertilizer to plant leaves instead of the roots. With Foliar feeding, leaves can take up to 95% of the nutrients in the fertilizer, compared to root-feeding which takes up much less. Therefore, its application can be a powerful stimulant for plant growth.
Why Foliar Feed?
There are a few instances when foliar feeding can be beneficial:
- Folia feeding variegated plants who’s leaves are too white will green-up white leaves.
- Helps perk up damaged or wilted plants whose roots are in poor condition.
- House plants may also benefit from the extra boost foliar feeding provides.
- Foliar feeding helps in the development of baby plants with little or no root system by providing nutrients.
How to Foliar Feed
Dilute the fertilizer of choice into hot water using recommended ratio. Use a spray bottle for dispensing the mixer. The spray bottle should deliver a fine and even spray. Lightly mist the entire plant early in the morning. Doing this helps the leaves dry before cooler nighttime temperatures set in. Blot dry any water that accumulates in the center of the plants with a tissue.
Avoid foliar feeding your plants more than two times per week and during hotter months when soil bacteria are more active. You should start seeing the benefits of foliar feeding within two to three weeks.