Fertilizer burn can cause a lot of problems for your houseplants. Excess fertilizer causes root dieback and browning and yellowing leaves, as well as slow growth. Find out the symptoms of fertilizer burn. Also learn how to prevent overfertilizing, and what to do if you have given your plant fertilizer burn.
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Today’s video is all about fertilizer burn—what it is, how it harms your houseplants, and most importantly, how to avoid it.
Almost anything can be harmful when overused, and that’s certainly the case with fertilizer. Many people mistakenly believe that giving a little extra fertilizer will make their plants grow faster and bigger. Please don’t! The directions on fertilizer packaging exist for a reason—overdoing it can result in fertilizer burn, damaging roots and foliage and potentially killing your plant.
We recommend using half-strength of the suggested dosage to be on the safe side. Fertilizer burn occurs when plants can’t process excess nutrients, especially salts, which can build up and dehydrate plant tissue.
💡 Symptoms of Fertilizer Burn
Brown leaf tips, especially on long, strappy leaves like Dracaena
Browning in the center of plants like Coleus
Yellowing streaks, leaf drop, and withered leaves
Salt buildup on the soil surface
Root dieback and stunted growth
If you notice any of these signs, take action quickly.
🛠️ What to Do If Your Plant Has Fertilizer Burn
Remove the plant from its current soil
Rinse the roots gently with tepid or warm water
Repot into fresh soil that is both moisture-retentive and well-draining
Avoid fertilizing immediately—let the plant recover first
We suggest waiting until the plant shows healthy growth (at least 3-5 inches) before fertilizing again.
🌱 Choosing the Right Fertilizer
Opt for organic fertilizers, which are milder and less likely to cause fertilizer burn. Look for low NPK ratios like 5-5-5, 4-4-4, or 3-4-2. Avoid high-nutrient, chemical formulas like 30-30-30, which greatly increase the risk of burn.
Some recommended organic fertilizers:
Green Gourmet Houseplant Food (our own)
Dynamite Indoor Formula
Perky Plant Water-Soluble Powder
Watch for the signs, take action promptly, and choose the right products to keep your houseplants thriving.
Fertilizer Burn in Houseplants: Prevention and Treatment
What is fertilizer burn in houseplants?
Fertilizer burn is damage caused by excessive fertilizer, resulting in brown leaf tips, yellowing leaves, and even root damage that can kill the plant.
What are the symptoms of fertilizer burn?
Common symptoms include brown or scorched leaf tips, yellowing or withered leaves, salt buildup on soil, and root dieback.
How can I treat fertilizer burn in my houseplant?
Remove the plant from its soil, rinse the roots with lukewarm water, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Avoid fertilizing again until the plant recovers.
How do I prevent fertilizer burn?
Use fertilizer according to label directions or at half-strength, choose organic fertilizers with low NPK ratios, and never apply fertilizer directly to foliage.
What kind of fertilizer should I use to avoid burn?
Opt for organic fertilizers with NPK ratios below 10-10-10, such as 5-5-5 or 4-4-4. These are gentler and reduce the risk of burning your houseplants.
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