Fertilizing Your Burgundy Plant:
The Dos and Don’ts

Burgundy plants, with their deep red leaves, are a popular choice for adding color and texture to indoor and outdoor spaces. However, to keep your burgundy plant healthy and vibrant, proper fertilization is key.

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when fertilizing your burgundy plant:

Do: Choose the Right Fertilizer

Not all fertilizers are created equal. When choosing a fertilizer for your burgundy plant, look for one that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). These nutrients are essential for promoting healthy growth and strong roots.

You can choose from liquid or granular fertilizers, but make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can lead to burnt leaves or stunted growth.

Don’t: Fertilize Too Often

While it’s important to fertilize your burgundy plant regularly, you don’t want to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can harm your plant and cause it to grow too quickly, which can weaken the stems and leaves.

As a general rule of thumb, fertilize your burgundy plant every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer) and cut back to once every 3-4 months during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Do: Water Before Fertilizing

Before you apply fertilizer to your burgundy plant, make sure the soil is moist. This will help prevent the fertilizer from burning the roots.

Water your plant thoroughly a few days before fertilizing. This will give the soil enough time to absorb the moisture and ensure that the roots are hydrated.

Don’t: Fertilize Newly Planted Burgundy Plants

If you’ve just planted a new burgundy plant, hold off on fertilizing it for a few weeks. Newly planted plants need time to establish their roots before they can handle the stress of fertilizer.

Wait until you see new growth on your plant before applying any fertilizer. This usually takes about 4-6 weeks.

Do: Use Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are a great choice for burgundy plants because they release nutrients slowly over time. This helps prevent over-fertilization and ensures that your plant gets a steady supply of nutrients.

Look for organic fertilizers that are specifically designed for houseplants or garden plants. These will have the right balance of nutrients for your burgundy plant.

Don’t: Apply Fertilizer Directly to Leaves or Stems

When applying fertilizer to your burgundy plant, be careful not to get any on the leaves or stems. Fertilizer can burn these delicate parts of the plant and cause damage.

Instead, apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant. This will ensure that the roots get the nutrients they need without harming any other parts of the plant.

FAQ

Q: How often should I fertilize my burgundy plant?

A: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 2-3 months. During the dormant season (fall and winter), fertilize every 3-4 months.

Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use on my burgundy plant?

A: Look for a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Organic fertilizers are a great choice because they release nutrients slowly over time.

Q: Can I use regular garden fertilizer on my burgundy plant?

A: Yes, you can use regular garden fertilizer as long as it has the right balance of nutrients (high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). However, organic fertilizers are a better choice because they release nutrients slowly over time.

Q: Can I fertilize my newly planted burgundy plant?

A: It’s best to wait at least 4-6 weeks before fertilizing a newly planted burgundy plant. This gives it time to establish its roots before being exposed to fertilizer.

Q: Is it okay to apply fertilizer directly to leaves or stems?

A: No, you should avoid getting fertilizer on leaves or stems as it can burn them. Instead, apply fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant.