To nourish me correctly, you must first understand my natural rhythm. I am a plant of cycles, not of constant consumption. My year is divided into distinct phases: a period of active growth (spring/summer), a crucial rest period (autumn/early winter), and the magnificent flowering period (late winter/spring). Fertilizer is only welcome during the active growth phase. Attempting to feed me during my rest is not only futile but harmful, as it can lead to root burn and disrupt my flowering cycle. My roots are thick and fleshy, designed for storing water and nutrients, making me sensitive to overfeeding.
My dietary requirements shift to support different functions. For building strong, dark green, strap-like leaves and a robust root system, I require a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer. A formula with equal parts Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is excellent for general vegetative growth. However, to encourage the development of my beautiful flower scapes and the vibrant blooms that crown them, I benefit greatly from a fertilizer higher in Potassium (K). A ratio like 5-10-15 is ideal in the weeks leading up to my flowering season. Potassium is the key nutrient for flower formation, stem strength, and overall disease resistance.
My roots despise harsh, concentrated chemicals. The golden rule is to always apply fertilizer to already moist soil. Feeding me when my potting mix is bone dry can cause severe root shock and damage. Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength on the package. I am a light feeder, and a weaker solution applied more consistently is far superior to a strong, infrequent dose. Apply this diluted fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during my active growing season (typically from after flowering in spring until mid-autumn). Water me thoroughly after application to help distribute the nutrients evenly throughout the root zone.
This is the most important, yet most often ignored, aspect of my care. As daylight shortens and temperatures cool in autumn, my growth slows to a halt. This is my time to rest. You must completely cease fertilization from mid-autumn for approximately 8-12 weeks. During this rest period, you should also significantly reduce watering. This cool, dry, and hungry period is the environmental trigger I need to set a flower bud. Providing fertilizer at this time forces me to continue leaf growth at the expense of flowers, resulting in a lush, green plant that never blooms.
