Liquid Fertilizer Vs. Dry Fertilizer for Potted Plants

Liquid

• A liquid fertilizer is a water-soluble substance used to feed and provide nutrients to plants. Two types of liquid fertilizers are used: powders and liquid concentrates. Both forms are added to water in a ratio recommended by the manufacturer. Liquid fertilizers spark growth for newly potted houseplants and give established plants a nutritional pick-me-up. The liquid concentrate is poured into a watering can to feed houseplants, and the nutritional benefits usually last one to two weeks.

Dry

• Dry fertilizers also come in two formats: powders and granules. Powders are often used to solve a nutrient deficiency. Blood meal and fish emulsion powder are dry fertilizers used to add nitrogen to stimulate chlorophyll development so leaves of potted plants “green up.” Bone meal and rock phosphate are used to balance phosphorus deficiencies, often detected when plant leaves turn yellow. Granular fertilizers are slow-release coated pellets that provide houseplants with a “multi-vitamin” of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The coating gives the fertilizer the ability to slowly release the nutrients into the soil to feed the plant. Granular fertilizers last anywhere from 1 to 9 months, depending on the type, blend and quality of the fertilizer.

Similarities

• Most liquid and dry fertilizers are inorganic fertilizers, meaning that they are not made of compostable materials such as manure or wood. Instead, they are man-made, synthetic blends turned into liquids, powders and granules. When you see a liquid or dry fertilizer with a label that states a numeric reading, such as 10-10-10, this means that it has been produced with equal portions of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. Liquid fertilizers can be used to supplement a dry or granular application to promote strong and healthy growth and development for potted plants. Liquid and dry fertilizers are applied on top of the soil after a plant is potted.

Differences

• Liquid fertilizers require more frequent application than dry fertilizers because, when they are less concentrated, the nutrients will flush from the roots and soil each time the plant is subsequently watered. Dry fertilizers, on the other hand, are more concentrated than liquids and can last for several months. You can pinpoint a nutrient deficiency (such as nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium) and give the plant the appropriate application, while liquid fertilizers are typically blends of all three nutrients. Dry fertilizers can be sown and blended into the soil, while liquids will flow and absorb into the soil and plant roots. Some liquids can also be applied to the plant foliage, where this would cause leaves and flowers to burn with a dry application.