WHY SHOULD I FOLIAR FEED?

By Nancy Robitaille

Foliar feeding of plants takes place in the leaves rather than in the soil and roots. It is thought that leaves take up to 95% of the nutrients in the fertilizer when sprayed whereas root feeding takes up much less.

1. Foliar feeding stimulates the plants into growth and helps to counteract pH problems or lockup.

2. Using foliar feeding may produce a quick reaction in plants for special purposes such as upcoming shows..

3. When roots are in poor condition or have been re-rooted because of root rot, foliar feeding using proper fertilizer will produce strong roots.

4. Occasionally variegated plants become too “white” and must be “greened-up.” This is the time for using foliar feeding with fish emulsion and will supply nitrogen to pale leaves and allow you to control the amount given more accurately than with root feeding.

5. Foliar feeding helps the development of healthy plantlets when the mother leaf and babies receive it. Once babies are separated from the mother leaf they often have little to no root system. Foliar feeding provides them with nourishment and helps build a robust root system at the same time.

6. High nitrogen content will promote strong, healthy leaves for show plants and it provides nourishment for both leaves and buds. 

When using foliar feeding make sure the fertilizer container states that it is completely water soluble and is recommended for foliar feeding. 

Always use very hot water from the tap. If you are nervous about putting hot water on your plants spray it on your hand and notice how the air temperature cools it so it is just barely warm. 

Mist the entire plant lightly—not to the point of water dripping from the leaves. Use foliar feeding early in the morning so it will have time to dry before cooler night temperatures set in. You may protect the center with a tissue or simply blow out any accumulated water after feeding.

Start with a very small concentration, perhaps 1/8 teaspoon to one gallon warm water.

Feed as often as twice a week but not more often.

Use clear hot water for other mistings.

Fertilizers to use may be: Fish emulsion, Miracle Gro, Rapid Gro, Superthrive or others.

It is suggested that you water plants with dolomite lime solution to neutralize acid buildup in the soil and leach fertilizer buildup every four to six weeks.

Nitrogen burn may occur in summer since soil bacteria activity increases.

Benefits of using foliar feeding may be noticed in two to three weeks.