If you want to have beautifully flowering, lushly growing and he althy houseplants, you have to take care of them according to the needs of your plants. The single leaf, for example (also available commercially as leaf flag or spathiphyllum), is a typical rainforest plant and needs a lot of moisture as well as a regular supply of the right nutrients.
How often and with what should you fertilize the single leaf?
The single leaf should be fertilized with a fertilizer for flowering houseplants every two to four weeks during the growing season. In winter, fertilization every eight weeks is sufficient. Use liquid complete fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer such as fertilizer sticks.
When and with what should you fertilize the single leaf?
During the growing season, the single leaf should be fertilized every two to four weeks. How often you have to use fertilizer depends on the size and location of the plant. You can notice an undersupply by the short stature, the lack of flowers or, in an advanced stage, by the yellowing of the leaves. In winter it is sufficient to fertilize the single leaf approximately every eight weeks. To do this, use a liquid complete fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon), but only give it to the plant after watering. Alternatively, long-term fertilizers such as fertilizer sticks etc. are also suitable. These also ensure that you don't forget to fertilize.
The reason for a lack of flowering is often found in inadequate fertilization
If the single leaf, which in itself is very flowery, does not produce any flowers, incorrect or insufficient fertilization is often the cause. For example, over-fertilization with nitrogen ensures that the plant grows well and produces beautiful leaves, but does not produce any flowers. It is therefore better to use a fertilizer for flowering plants or flowering houseplants and avoid preparations for green plants.
Annual repotting ensures nutrient supply
Furthermore, regular repotting every one to two years in a larger planter and fresh substrate ensures the nutrient supply. Loose, humus-rich and therefore nutrient-rich soils with a pH value between 5.7 and 6.8 are well suited. For environmental reasons, you should avoid the frequently recommended peat-containing substrates; there are plenty of excellent alternatives. Alternatively, the single leaf can also be cultivated very well using expanded clay or similar in hydroponics.
Be careful with brown leaf spots – over-fertilization is to blame
If you suddenly notice brown spots or dots on the leaves of your leaf, this is usually due to over-fertilization. Place the plant in fresh substrate and reduce the quantities. By the way, brown leaf tips are a sign of a lack of humidity.
Tip
Like so many other plants, the single leaf can be easily fertilized with dried coffee grounds. The nutrient-rich fertilizer is available for free in many households and is - unfortunately - usually thrown away. The same goes for black tea leaves.
