What Kind of Fertilizer Should I Use on Anthuriums?

Slow Release

• Slow release fertilizer is safe for anthuriums. This type comes in granules or in spikes and washes nutrients into the soil slowly, pacing release in a way that prevents the root systems of the plant from taking in too much nitrogen, which can cause root burn. Slow release fertilizer is also a long lasting option, since it remains in the soil, emitting fertilizer for up to six months. This allows gardeners with a large area, or with limited time to spend on gardening, time for other activities.

Liquid

• While slow release fertilizer provides nutrient content to anthuriums over time, liquid fertilizer gives it to the plant all at once. Unlike solid fertilizers, which use water as a catalyst, washing nutrients into the root system, liquid fertilizer is a highly concentrated dose of nutrients that is already mixed into a transmissible medium. The liquid seeps directly into the root system and delivers undiluted nutrition. Because the plant receives only one feeding instead of a steady diet, anthuriums require a fresh dose of once per week. Additionally, missing a dose can starve the plant, causing slower growth.

Fertilizer Ratio

• Of course, the medium is not the only way in which fertilizers differ. The amount of major nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, can cause major harm to anthuriums if not balanced correctly. For mature anthuriums, the proper mixture of fertilizer is approximately 15 percent nitrogen, 30 percent phosphorus and 15 percent potassium. On fertilizer packages, this ratio will appear as “15-30-15.”

Amount

• Whether using solid or liquid fertilizer, once the nutrient balance is correct, use 75 percent less than the amount indicated on the package when fertilizing anthuriums. This will ensure that the flower is not over-fertilized and does not suffer root burn or other possible infections.