The water left over from rinsing rice contains small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
How to Use:
- Use as a watering agent once every two weeks.
- Ensure it is unsalted and has no added oils.
Rice water supports healthy root systems and gentle nutrient supply.
Fertilizing Schedule for Year-Round Blooms
Timing and consistency are everything when it comes to Anthuriums. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:
Spring & Summer (Active Growing Season)
- Weekly or bi-weekly applications.
- Use banana tea, compost tea, or milk/eggshell mix.
- Adjust based on how the plant reacts.
Fall (Transition Season)
- Reduce to once every 3 weeks.
- Switch to slower-acting fertilizers like eggshell powder or worm castings.
Winter (Dormant Period)
- Fertilize only once a month with a mild tea (rice water or diluted compost tea).
- Overfeeding in winter can lead to root rot or salt buildup.
Additional Tips for Promoting Anthurium Blooms
Fertilizer alone won’t guarantee blooms. You also need to create the right growing environment.
1. Lighting
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Avoid harsh direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
2. Humidity
- Maintain 60% to 80% humidity.
- Use a pebble tray, humidifier, or misting.
3. Watering
- Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Avoid overwatering, which leads to root rot.
4. Repotting
- Every 2 years, or when the roots outgrow the container.
- Use a chunky, airy mix: orchid bark, peat moss, perlite.
5. Pruning
- Remove faded blooms and yellowing leaves to redirect energy to new growth.
DIY Liquid Bloom Booster Recipe
Here’s a homemade liquid fertilizer recipe specially designed to encourage flowering:
Ingredients:
- 1 banana peel
- 1 teaspoon molasses or honey
- 1 cup of compost tea
- 1 liter of water
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients.
- Let the mixture sit for 24 hours.
- Use 1 cup per plant every 10-14 days during bloom season.
This combo gives your plant a boost in potassium, phosphorus, and natural sugars—perfect for flower production.
Signs Your Anthurium Needs Fertilizer
Look out for these common symptoms:
- Pale or yellowing leaves – Possible nitrogen or magnesium deficiency.
- Slow growth – Suggests overall nutrient depletion.
- Lack of blooms – May indicate low phosphorus or potassium.
- Leaf edge browning – Can be from fertilizer burn or inconsistent watering.
Always correct these symptoms with measured feeding and good environmental care.
Avoid Over-Fertilization
Too much fertilizer can damage roots and hinder blooming. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Use diluted solutions, especially with homemade fertilizers.
- Avoid fertilizing when the plant is stressed (after repotting, wilting).
- Flush the soil with clean water every 2-3 months to prevent salt buildup.
Final Words: Bloom Like Never Before
Caring for an Anthurium is an act of patience and attention. With the right nutrition and consistent care, these stunning plants can reward you with continuous, long-lasting blooms and lush foliage.
Homemade fertilizers aren’t just cost-effective—they’re also gentle, sustainable, and tailored to your plant’s needs. By crafting natural feeding solutions using simple kitchen scraps like eggshells, banana peels, and compost, you create a growing environment where your Anthurium can truly flourish in every season.
