How to Tell If Your Plant Needs Water or Fertilizer

How to Tell If Your Plant Needs Water or Fertilizer

If your plant looks a little off, it can be hard to know what it actually needs. Is it thirsty, or is it time to feed it?

Before you grab the watering can or reach for the fertilizer, here are a few simple ways to tell what your plant is asking for.

Check the soil first

Leaves can droop, curl, or yellow from both underwatering and overwatering. To find out which it is, check the soil about two inches down with your finger or a wooden skewer.

If it feels dry, go ahead and water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days. Guessing here often does more harm than good.

Look at the newest leaves

When a plant is hungry, it usually still grows, but the new leaves come in small, pale, or weak. If you see new growth that looks a little tired, it could be time to feed.

If the plant is not growing at all, focus on light and watering first before adding nutrients.

Consider the season

Plants grow faster in spring and summer. That is when they need support from fertilizer the most. In cooler months, many slow down or go dormant, and feeding during that time can do more harm than good.

If you are seeing dull or sluggish growth as the weather warms, that is a sign your plant may be ready for a gentle boost.

Watch for brown tips

Crispy tips on the leaves can be caused by dry air, overfeeding, or inconsistent watering. If you recently fertilized and now see tip damage, flush the pot with plain water and ease up.

If you have not fertilized in a while, and your plant is still getting brown tips, it may be time to feed lightly and check your humidity.

Take it one step at a time

Avoid watering and fertilizing on the same day just to cover your bases. Choose one, then watch how the plant responds over the next few days.

Plants usually show you what they need if you slow down and observe.

Plant Haven Tip
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