What fertilizer is best for root development and growth.?

Question

I mean by the numbers..... nitrogen, potash, potassium. Explain the numbers for me. I have a huge amount of tropical flowering plants...gingers, heliconias, exotics that I want to strengthen...

Answer 1

Nitrogen is used to increase foliage of the plant, phosphorous is great for root development AND flowering, and potassium (aka potash) is for for the overall growth of the plant and health of the plant. All these traits are known as NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash) which is usually measured on all fertilizers like #-#-#.

to increase root development, get a fert that is high in phosphorous, this will at the same time help BOTH the roots, and the flowers of the plant which is ideal.

you probably would want to get something with some nitrogen and potash too, to help the rest of the plant grow stability aswell. But remember, too much of any of these will result in a weak and unhealthy plant that will become more susceptible to disease, so don't abuse ferts.

you also want to make sure your plants are old enough to be administered ferts, at least about 5-6 weeks old, and even then, you probably want to use a diluted solution to see how your plants react. If they react positively, increase the dosage every week until it reaches the proper dilution. over ferting your plants will cause them to burn and potentially kill them.

Answer 2

sbee reed's correct.