Plants or greenery are one of the essential elements of mother nature. Its versatility is exceptional that humanity or animals cannot continue to live on earth if the plants are no more! Apart from all the advantages and help it provides for man and animal lives, the beauty it adds to nature and the serenity it creates is priceless! It is pure bliss to live surrounded by fauna and flora. Due to this reason, many of us have the habit of rearing different species of plants in our home gardens. While we have a range of beautiful plants in our home gardens, we tend to have some in our homes. It provides a calm and serene atmosphere which is a blissful experience. Same as planting trees or plants, it is essential to take care of them. Are you thinking about should I use plant food spikes?
So let us discuss some important facts and tips about this particular topic.
What are plant food spikes?
Plant food spikes are the fertilizer spikes that help soil conditioning and efficient growth of the plant. A plant needs these for healthy growth. These plant food spikes dissolve in the soil very slowly, providing the necessary nutrients whenever required for the plant and the ground. But feeding a plant is pretty challenging as you need a perfect observation process. But the good news is that the plant food spikes are ready to take up the burden for you. It will ensure that the plants get the needed nutrients whenever it needs them.
The plant food spikes have different ingredients to ensure the plants’ steady growth. They are ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and potassium chloride. These spikes are stimulated with iron and manganese micronutrients vital for plant functions such as photosynthesis.
How does a plant food spike work?
Do you know how these plant food spikes work? The plant food spike inserts into the soil, which is easy. They contain all the needed nutrients plants should have. Ends actively contribute by releasing nutrients into the ground over some time. But you need to pick the correct type according to the kind of plant and the soil. Natural and organic plant food spikes release only quality nutrients into the ground, which are less harmful. Remember that the fungal and bacterial activity in the soil triggers this. This activity creates added benefits of increased resistance to disease and pests, which is an advantage.
How to use the plant food spikes?
Do you know how to use a plant food spike in your potted plant or the outdoor plant bed?
Here is the perfect method to do it.
Dig small holes for the spikes around the tree, bush, or plant for best results. Make sure to use points designed for your specific type of plant. You need to place them in soft, damp soil around its drip line.
Do you know what a drip line is?
It is the area below its circumference, so rain or condensation will fall where the spikes are placed. It promotes root growth towards the fertilizer.
Did you realize the application is simple?
Do you need to follow all product instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness for the best results?
What are the types of plant food spikes that are commonly used?
Do you know a few types of plant food spikes used according to the needs?
They differ according to every kind, like the indoor pants, outdoor plants, etc. Below are some popular types you can easily pick from the markets.
- The indoor plant food spikes are specially made to suit the indoor potted plants. It contains Urea-formaldehyde, triple superphosphate, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and boric acid. Also, it has Micronutrients zinc, copper, and iron which help better growth of the roots and flowering.
Tree and shrub spikes have iron oxide, manganese oxide, potassium chloride, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate, which help grow the trees and bushes steadily.
- The evergreen plant spikes are Designed for both broadleaf evergreen plants and conifers. These spikes are filled with iron and manganese micronutrients, vital for plant functions such as photosynthesis.
- Fruit and Citrus Tree spikes have high doses of phosphorus and potassium. They also contain the added micronutrients of iron and manganese.
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Advantages of plant food spikes
What do you think about whether it is worth using the plant food spikes?
Is it better than liquid fertilizer?
Here are some valuable tips and facts that might help clarify your doubts.
- Fertilizer spikes are easier to use and store than granular or liquid fertilizer bags. All you need is to insert it correctly at a proper distance from the plant.
- Using fertilizer sticks stimulates the biological activity in the soil, which promotes pest and disease resistance. Also, it gives the needed nutrition at the required time. The process will take time, but you can ensure that the job gets done perfectly.
- Over-fertilization will never happen as it is with granular or liquid fertilizers. It is because fertilizer spikes are available in pre-mixed formulas designed for specific uses, such as evergreen, ornamental, or fruit tree applications. You need to correctly recognize the purpose or need before picking up the type of plant food spike.
Disadvantages of plant food spikes
Same as the advantages, there are some disadvantages that you need to understand well.
- Sometimes, the spike will split when you hammer it into the ground. A way to avoid this is to insert a wooden stick into the ground first and then pull it out, making a hole where you need to put the spike in. The spike will go into the ground quickly through the hole without breaking. Also, it is always better to use a rubber mallet to avoid any damage.
- Never place the spikes close to the tree trunk. It is because too much fertilizer can weaken and even kill the trees. Make sure to keep the points at the drip line.
- If you consider the cost per tree, spikes are slightly more expensive than the regular granular or liquid fertilizer.
- When you use the spikes, the Sideways fertilizer movement is limited in the soil. The ends sometimes only distribute nutrients to a small section of the root zone. It makes the root system grow well near the spike more than in other areas.
Should you use plant food spikes?
Well, this is a very tricky question. And let us see how we can guide you to make a wise decision.
In common practice, indoor plants need fertilizer only to supplement active growth. Too much fertilizer can indeed cause root damage and salt buildup, which is very harmful to the healthy development of the plant. Spikes are not necessary for dry-weather plants, such as cacti and succulents.
Also, the fertilizer in the spike dissolves within a certain number of inches. So, it might not well reach the plant roots. It is a little disadvantageous. And on the other hand, it is said that the food spikes staying in water for more than one day may cause harm for the plants. Due to this reason, many people do not use it. They recommend the traditional fertilizing systems.
But as mentioned earlier, these plant food spikes have their advantages. Ease of use and the stimulation of the biological activities related to the plant are the most important. Also, it will never over-fertilize.
Wrapping up…
So if you are using or hoping to use the food spikes for your plants, you have to be careful and wise in making the decision. The responsibility for the fertilization of the plant is yours, and the food spikes. So, it is always better to be watchful and work on expert recommendations before deciding on the best option, as sometimes the plant food spikes may work well on certain plants depending on the soil and weather conditions. So the choice is all yours! We hope this write-up helps you pick the best option with plant food spikes and fertilize your plants!
