Find out how long you should wait after repotting before fertilizing.
#healthyhouseplants #indoorplants #plantcaretips #repotting #fertilizingplants
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I am here today with this beautiful Zebra Plant, known botanically as Aphelandra squarrosa. Today, I’m going to give you a quick tip on how to keep this plant from getting brown leaf tips.
As you can see, all the growth on this plant is healthy—no brown leaf tips at all. It’s actually a really easy solution to avoid those unsightly brown edges.
Zebra plants are very susceptible to fluoride, chloramines, and chlorine in water. Chlorine can dissipate if you let the water sit for 24 hours. However, chloramines, fluoride, and other heavy metals will not go away with time.
So what’s the secret to keeping this plant free of brown leaf tips and ensuring it flowers well? Use distilled or reverse osmosis water. I always use reverse osmosis water on this plant. Also, make sure you water all of your houseplants with warm to tepid water. I actually heat up some water and mix it with reverse osmosis water to make sure it’s the right temperature.
This handy tip keeps your Zebra Plant healthy and free from those yucky brown leaf tips. When I first got this plant several months ago, it did have some brown leaf tips on the older leaves. But now, all the new foliage looks great—no brown at all!
When fertilizing, be careful not to overdo it. Never use chemical fertilizers on Zebra Plants, as that will quickly lead to brown leaf tips. Use an organic fertilizer instead.
I do have a full care video on this plant, which I’ll link to so you can get more detailed growing instructions. Remember, if Zebra Plants get brown leaf tips, it can quickly spread up the leaf and become very unsightly.
So again, the key is distilled or reverse osmosis water and ensuring it’s warm when you water.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing After Repotting
How long should I wait to fertilize after repotting my houseplant?
You should wait to fertilize until you see new growth, which can vary from one month to as long as three or four months, depending on the plant type and season.
Why shouldn’t I fertilize right after repotting?
Fertilizing immediately after repotting can cause fertilizer to stay in the soil without being absorbed by roots, leading to root dieback, root rot, and transplant shock, which can harm or kill the plant.
Does the time of year affect when I should start fertilizing?
Yes, plants grow slower during colder months, so you may need to wait longer—up to three or four months—before fertilizing. In spring or warmer months, new growth appears faster, so you can fertilize sooner.
Do potting soils already contain nutrients?
Many potting soils come with added nutrients, so your plant can use those initially, allowing you to wait before starting fertilizer applications.
When is the best time of year to repot to avoid fertilizing delays?
It’s generally best to avoid repotting in mid-fall or winter to prevent prolonged acclimation periods and delays in fertilizing due to slower growth.
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