ZZ plants are beautiful houseplants that don’t require much special care. Yet, as a plant lover, I want to take the best possible care of them, no matter how long they live.
This includes knowing how to fertilize them and if they need fertilizer.
ZZ plants can do well with a minimal dose of fertilizer. However, applying general liquid fertilizer will give your ZZ plants an extra boost.
Later in the text, I will discuss the actual fertilization process. You will learn about the different types of fertilizers and how to use them. Get ready to help your green friends live healthier, brighter lives.
Contents
What do you feed the ZZ plants?
As I mentioned earlier, ZZ plants can grow very well without any additives. They grow slowly and you shouldn’t worry about them.
water regularly it can help these plants grow faster and they don’t need any additives to survive.
But if you choose to fertilize them, be sure not to overdo it. A balanced liquid fertilizer would be ideal for these humble plants.
The one I use and highly recommend is a Fertilizer 5-5-5, or diluted 10-10-10. Once you decide to feed your plants, you need to dilute the fertilizer and add it after watering. Applying strong fertilizer can burn and damage the plant.
Types of fertilizers for ZZ factory
Many of you may be wondering if there is a difference between the types of fertilizers. I’m here to tell you that choosing the right fertilizer is important for the growth and survival of your ZZ plants.
But don’t worry. I’ll help you understand them all and help you provide the best possible care for your green friends.
Liquid fertilizers
These are the best options to give your ZZ plants an extra boost. When dealing with these types of plants, it is important to dilute the fertilizer before adding it to the soil.
By diluting it, it is easy to control the amount of nutrients you give your plant. They don’t need a lot and too much can damage ZZ’s roots and foliage.
Slow release fertilizer
Over time, the nutrients break down and run off into the soil. Slow release fertilizers are usually applied once a year. This makes them perfect for lazy or forgetful plant owners.
But for ZZ plants, they are difficult to control because they cannot be thinned and can be too hard on the roots. Therefore, liquid fertilizers are a much better and safer option.
solid fertilizers
They are usually granulated or powdered. They are great for outdoor gardening, but I wouldn’t recommend using them for your ZZ plants.
It’s hard to keep track of how much nutrients your plant is getting with these types of fertilizers. They release all the nutrients all at once after watering the soil and would do more harm than good to this type of plant.
Now, based on the ingredients, all of these fertilizers are biological either synthetic. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science.
I’m here to help you understand the difference between the two and which is the best option for your ZZ plants.
Organic fertilizers
The components of this type of fertilizer are not processed. As a result, your ZZ plant would take longer to absorb all the nutrients.
Organic fertilizers break down in the soil. Therefore, these types of fertilizer treat the soil more than the plant itself.
synthetic fertilizers
These fertilizers are made from processed ingredients. The treated materials ensure that your ZZ plant can absorb nutrients immediately.
The chemicals in these fertilizers make them stronger than organic ones. Therefore, you should always dilute them before applying them.
I prefer to use fertilizer for my ZZ plants. They are easier to absorb and provide more nutrients.
You may also be interested in: How to Save Zz Plant from Root Rot (Step by Step)
When should you feed ZZ plants?
Now that we’ve covered the types of fertilizers, it’s time to figure out when is the best time to treat your green friends. As is the case with most indoor plants, the best time to fertilize is during the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize ZZ plants. Even in the wild, they are made to be strong and resilient.
The lack of fertilizer would create a more natural habitat for them. The main growth period of ZZ plants is usually from april to august.
Fertilize in the spring
If you choose to fertilize your ZZ plants during the growing season, you can do so monthly. Start fertilizing your plants in March or April.
Be sure to use half the recommended strength for the first few months. It is best to use a 5-5-5 fertilizer to prepare the plant for later fertilization.
Always be sure to water the soil before using chemicals. The water protects the plant’s roots from chemical damage and burns.
fertilize in summer
When summer comes, you can safely switch to a stronger fertilizer. Keep in mind that ZZ plants do not need fertilizer.
A diluted 10-10-10 fertilizer would suffice. If you use liquid fertilizer, you can apply it monthly during the growing season.
Fertilize in Winter
winter fertilizer is not recommended. During this period, ZZ plants do not actively grow. They do not need any type of fertilizer as this can damage and burn the roots and result in brown leaves.
However, if you live in a warmer climate, you can continue to fertilize your ZZ plants.
Fertilizer Application Tips and Common Mistakes
Fertilizing can be tricky if you don’t know enough about your plants and their needs.
As for ZZ plants, they are quite durable and hard to kill. There are a few more tips to know before you start your fertilizing journey.
1. little goes a long way
This is the most important advice I can give you. Less is more. Your plant will be happiest with a diluted fertilizer every few months. No need to apply a hard one every two weeks.
People often make this mistake because they think they are doing their plants a favor. I know you want the best for your ZZ plants, but don’t love them too much.
2. Spring is the best time to start fertilizing
This is when ZZ plants begin their active growth process. Just like children entering puberty, they need their vitamins. With spring and summer approaching, it’s time to give your plants a little more love.
3. Forget your fertilizer in winter
They don’t need it. In winter, you should let your ZZ plants rest as they are not actively growing. Applying fertilizer during this time can result in brown leaves and scorched roots.
4. Synthetic fertilizers are a beginner’s best friend.
Dilute and apply. It’s so easy. The processed ingredients are ready to be absorbed by your ZZ plant. They are formulated with the perfect amount of nutrients and all you have to do is apply and enjoy your plant.
frequently asked Questions
How can I grow my ZZ plant faster?
In general, ZZ plants are naturally slow growing. There is not much you can do to make them grow faster.
However, fertilizing them can help them grow bigger and stronger. These plants can go months without water, but regular watering will help them grow a little faster.
Be careful, however, not to water them too much because they prefer dry conditions.
Why do the leaves of ZZ plants turn yellow?
Yellow leaves on ZZ plants are usually a sign of nutrient deficiency. The causes can be various, but most likely, yellowing is a sign of it. nitrogen deficiency.
This usually happens in the spring when the plants are actively growing. Applying high nitrogen fertilizer will solve the problem.
This will help your ZZ plant recover faster, but be careful not to overdo it and dilute the fertilizer first.
Do ZZ plants like humidity?
They don’t need a lot of sun and the room temperature suits them perfectly. They grow best in humid climates, but typical indoor humidity is sufficient for them.
They don’t need much to grow and be healthy and can adapt to almost anything.
If you keep your ZZ plant in an air-conditioned place, it is best to spray the leaves.
This way you create some kind of humidity, which will be enough for her to thrive.
How to revive a dying ZZ plant?
If your ZZ plant dies, you should first inspect it and cut off the damaged leaves. The next step is to take the plant out of the pot and pull the roots out of the ground.
You need to loosen the root so they don’t roll into a ball. Replace the potting soil with the new one and position the plant carefully so as not to damage the roots.
Water the plant, remembering not to overwater it. ZZ plants survive best in dry conditions and overwatering can be harmful.
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