artificialive: Fertilising Neps

[David]

rainforestguy
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Re: Fertilizing Neps
« Reply #20 on Feb 20, 2008, 12:59am »
Salt was never meant to get into a pitcher. Yet so many still insist that feeding through the pitchers as the mouth of a nepenthes. Salt build-up is difficult to remove from a plant and salt poisoning can continue for months even after the salt source is "removed." Soluble fertilizers introduced through the roots are the best method for absorption. There bacteria, fungi and other soil organisms help break down these nutrients to make it beneficial to the plant, so while poor results are obtained through the pitchers, better results are obtained using the exact same nutrient source through the root system.
Timed release fertilizers can without warning leach harmful micro-macronutrients without warning. As the osmocote walls are not only water permeable but are affected by temperature and other agents, not always associated with water to leach out salts and other build up. These micro/macro nutrients can often lead to stunting or no growth in some cases. Always use water soluble and organic where possible.

M
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