All citrus plants are hungry plants during the summer. Since their roots are locked up in the pot, the nutrients have to come to them. So it needs to be fertilized! But not every fertilizer is welcome. There are some decisions to be made before feeding them.
How and with what is the best way to fertilize citrus plants?
To optimally fertilize citrus plants, it is best to use a mineral direct fertilizer with an NPK combination of 20-5-15 and additional trace elements. Fertilize during the main growing season from April to August and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage and frequency.
Fertilize organically or minerally?
The optimal care of a citrus plant - no matter what type of citrus it comes from - does not just involve the process of fertilizing itself. The choice of fertilizer also contributes significantly to their vitality and beauty.
Organic fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings or horse manure only have a long-term effect and can decompose much more slowly in the pot. The necessary work into the soil is also difficult to do without damaging the roots.
Nutrients from suitable mineral fertilizers, on the other hand, reach the roots of the citrus plant via the irrigation water and are immediately available.
Tip
Organic fertilizer is not completely ruled out. When repotting a citrus plant, you can mix the fresh soil with a little compost. Coffee grounds can also be added occasionally as a fertilizer supplement.
Use immediate or slow-release fertilizer?
Both are possible. If you have little time to care intensively for your citrus plants, then use a slow-release fertilizer. Otherwise, a direct fertilizer is recommended. This allows you to adjust the dosage quickly and precisely to your needs.
The ideal nutrient composition
The elements that a citrus plant should get are:
- Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) approximately balanced
- Phosphate (P), on the other hand, in smaller amounts
- for example NPK combination 20-5-15
- Trace elements such as boron, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc
Tip
Citrus plants can be watered with hard water because they not only tolerate but also need the element calcium.
Buy fertilizer or mix it yourself?
The trade has all sorts of fertilizers available, including some that are ideal for citrus plants. You can also make fertilizer for citrus plants yourself by purchasing the required elements separately and mixing them together at home. That saves money! The effort is only worth it if you have to care for several citrus plants at the same time.
Timing and dosage
Citrus plants are only fertilized during their main growing period from April to August. If the weather is still warm, fertilization can be carried out sparingly in September and October. During wintering, however, there is no need for nutrients.
The question still arises as to whether fertilization should be carried out weekly or monthly and how high the dosage should be. If you act according to the manufacturer's instructions, you will be on the safe side. Mineral fertilizers are administered with irrigation water. Water the plant so that the entire root ball is soaked. This means that the nutrients do not remain in the top layer of soil, but reach all the roots.
