Find out the reasons why you don’t want to fertilize after repotting. Doing so could harm your houseplant.
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Today I’m going to talk to you about why you don’t want to fertilize right after repotting. The main reason is the possibility of root burn.
After you repot a plant, roots temporarily stop taking in nutrients—and for a very short time, they may even stop absorbing water. As the roots adjust to the new soil, they aren’t actively taking in anything.
The issue with fertilizer is that it’s designed to be readily absorbed by the roots. But if the roots are inactive (as they often are after repotting), the fertilizer will simply sit in the root zone. When that happens, it can lead to root dieback and even root rot over time.
🕒 When to Start Fertilizing Again?
You should wait until the plant begins to put on new growth. That’s the signal that it’s acclimated and ready to be fed again. This can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on the time of year.
If you repot in the fall, for instance, your plant might not grow again until early spring—so be patient.
Also, keep in mind that most potting soils contain nutrients already, so there’s no need to add more right after repotting. Extra nutrients will just sit there and may damage the roots.
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FAQs About Fertilizing After Repotting
Why shouldn’t you fertilize a plant right after repotting?
After repotting, plant roots temporarily stop absorbing nutrients. Fertilizer sitting in the root zone can cause root burn, dieback, or even root rot.
How long should you wait to fertilize after repotting?
Wait until the plant shows signs of new growth, which may take a month to several months depending on the season.
Can fertilizer harm a recently repotted plant?
Yes. Since the roots aren’t actively taking in nutrients, fertilizer can accumulate and damage the root system.
Do potting soils contain nutrients?
Yes, most potting soils come with some nutrients, making it unnecessary and even harmful to add fertilizer right away.
When is the best time to resume fertilizing after repotting?
Start fertilizing once the plant resumes active growth, which typically happens in spring or during the plant’s natural growing season.
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