Fertilizing Your Calandiva Plant:
The Dos and Don’ts

Calandiva plants are popular among gardeners due to their beauty and ease of maintenance. These flowering plants require minimal care and can bloom for extended periods with proper care. One crucial aspect of taking care of your Calandiva plant is fertilization. Fertilization is essential for the plant’s growth, health, and blooming. However, if done improperly, it can cause more harm than good. In this article, we will explore the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your Calandiva plant.

Why Fertilize Your Calandiva Plant?

Fertilization provides essential nutrients that your Calandiva plant needs to grow healthy and bloom beautifully. While soil contains natural nutrients, they may not be sufficient for the plant’s growth requirements. A fertilizer helps to supplement these nutrients and provide a balance of necessary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (iron, boron, copper, zinc, etc.). A well-fed Calandiva plant is more vibrant, healthier, and produces more blooms.

When To Fertilize Your Calandiva Plant?

Calandiva plants require fertilization during their active growing season, which is usually from spring to fall. During this period, the plants are actively growing and producing new leaves and flowers. It would be best to fertilize them once every two weeks or as instructed on the fertilizer package. Avoid fertilizing your plant during winter as it’s a dormant period for the plant.

Dos of Fertilizing Your Calandiva Plant

Do Choose the Right Fertilizer

Calandiva plants require a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. These ratios ensure that your plant gets all the nutrients it needs without overfeeding or underfeeding.

Do Follow the Instructions

Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully. Overfertilizing can lead to root burn or nutrient toxicity that can harm your plant. Underfertilizing can lead to nutrient deficiency, stunted growth or poor blooming.

Do Water Your Plant Before Fertilizing

Watering your plant before fertilizing helps to prevent root burn. The water helps to dilute any concentrated fertilizer solution that may come into contact with the roots.

Do Use Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for Calandiva plants. They release nutrients slowly over time and improve soil fertility without causing any harm to the environment or your plant.

Do Apply Fertilizer in Small Amounts

Apply fertilizer in small amounts as per the instructions on the package. Applying too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good.

Don’ts of Fertilizing Your Calandiva Plant

Don’t Overfertilize

Overfertilization can cause root burn or nutrient toxicity in your Calandiva plant. It can also lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooming.

Don’t Use Foliar Feeding

Foliar feeding involves applying fertilizer directly to the leaves rather than to the soil. While it may seem like a quick fix for nutrient deficiency, it can cause leaf burn or other adverse effects on your plant.

Don’t Apply Fertilizer on Wet Soil

Applying fertilizer on wet soil can cause nutrient runoff or leaching, reducing its effectiveness in providing nutrients to your plant.

Don’t Use Chemical Fertilizers Excessively

Chemical fertilizers are easy-to-use options but can harm both your plant and the environment if used excessively. They also tend to release nutrients quickly, leading to overfeeding or nutrient toxicity in your plant.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use compost as a fertilizer for my Calandiva plant?

Yes, you can use compost as a fertilizer for your Calandiva plant. Compost provides slow-release nutrients that improve soil fertility and promote healthy growth.

Q2: How often should I fertilize my Calandiva plant?

You should fertilize your Calandiva plant once every two weeks during its active growing season (spring-fall). Avoid fertilizing during winter when the plant is dormant.

Q3: Can I use chemical fertilizers on my Calandiva plant?

Yes, you can use chemical fertilizers on your Calandiva plant but use them sparingly as they release nutrients quickly and can cause overfeeding or nutrient toxicity in your plant.

Q4: Can I use tap water to dilute my fertilizer solution?

Yes, you can use tap water to dilute your fertilizer solution. However, if your tap water is hard or has high levels of chlorine or other chemicals, consider using filtered or distilled water instead.

Conclusion

Fertilizing your Calandiva plant is an essential aspect of taking care of it. With proper fertilization techniques and following dos and don’ts outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your plant remains healthy and blooms beautifully throughout its growing season.