From my roots to my vibrant blooms, my health depends on a precise balance of nutrients, primarily Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is crucial for my lush, green stem and leaf development, giving me the energy to photosynthesize effectively. However, too much will make me soft and overly succulent, vulnerable to pests and less likely to flower. Phosphorus is my best friend for blooming; it fuels the development of strong buds and magnificent flowers. It also encourages a robust, healthy root system. Potassium, the regulator, ensures my overall vitality, strengthening my cell walls for drought resistance and aiding in the efficient use of water.
My feeding schedule is intrinsically tied to the seasons and my growth cycle. I am a sun-worshipper and my metabolism is highest during the warm, bright months. This is when I am actively growing new leaves, stems, and, most importantly, flowers. During this period, from early spring through late summer, I am hungry for consistent nutrition. A regular feeding schedule every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer will keep me thriving and blooming profusely.
A generic plant food is not ideal for me. I thrive best on a fertilizer formulation that supports strong blooms and healthy roots without promoting excessive leafy growth. Therefore, I prefer a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus (P) content. A formulation with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 is acceptable, but one labeled as a "bloom booster" with a ratio such as 15-15-15 or even 9-18-10 is far superior for encouraging my spectacular floral shows. The heightened phosphorus level directly signals to my system that it is time to invest energy into reproduction—flowering.
How you feed me is as important as what you feed me. I detest having wet feet for prolonged periods, and my roots are susceptible to fertilizer burn. You must always apply fertilizer to my soil when it is already moist. Never feed me when my potting mix is bone dry, as the concentrated salts can severely damage my delicate root hairs. Water me thoroughly a day before, or at least a few hours before, applying the diluted fertilizer solution. Ensure the solution is watered in well and that any excess can drain freely from the pot's holes. This method delivers nutrients safely to my root zone.
As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, I begin to slow my growth and enter a period of dormancy. This is a natural and necessary rest for me. During this time, typically from late autumn through winter, my metabolic processes nearly halt. Feeding me now would be disastrous. The salts from the fertilizer will accumulate in my potting mix since I cannot uptake them, leading to root damage and potentially killing me. You must completely withhold fertilizer during my dormancy. Resume feeding only when you see clear signs of new growth in the spring, such as fresh leaves emerging.
