A: Most fertilizer instructions recommend
fertilizing tropical plants from March to November. This is because plants don't
need as much food during the cooler months when many go dormant, and excess
nutrients can burn the roots if not absorbed. However, for the most effective
fertilizer program and healthy plants, consider these points:
1. Sunshine Boosters
Year-Round
Liquid amino-acid-based fertilizers like Sunshine Boosters are safe to use year-round. Since watering is reduced
in cooler weather, the intake of water-soluble fertilizer is also lower,
providing plants with just the essential nutrients for their minimal needs.
2. Dry Fertilizer Schedule
Be cautious with dry fertilizers. Apply them only during active growth
in the hot season.
3. Temperature Is Key
If March is still cold, delay dry fertilizer use. However, if nighttime
temperatures in February stay above 65F, you can start a dry fertilizer
program using slow-release, granulated plant food.
4. What Fertilizers to Use and
How
Check out our Sunshine Boosters selection for different types of plants and choose
the right type for your needs. These can be applied as often as with every
watering:
For Rapid Growth
Sunshine Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster: general fertilizer for both foliage
plants and small starters that need an extra boost.
For Flowers
Sunshine Megaflor - Bloom Booster: boosts flowers on established plants; and Sunshine Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster: best for fragrant flowers.
For Fruit Trees
Sunshine C-Cibus - Crop Booster: contains all necessary elements for fruit trees and their production. Sunshine Mango Tango - specifically formulated for Mango and Avocado
trees, and Sunshine Citron - ideal for citrus trees.
For Tender Perennials
Sunshine Orchidasm - Orchid Total Feed and Sunshine Ananas - Pineapple and Bromeliad Booster: mild formulas for these tender perennials.
5. Microelement Supplements Are a Must
Besides macronutrients, plants need additional microelements, just like
humans need vitamins. Be sure to apply these supplements along with your
regular plant food:
For Green Leaves and Health
Sunshine SuperFood - Complex Microelement Supplement: a
must for healthy plants. Apply once a month.
For Stress Relief
Sunshine-Epi - Brassinosteroid Plant
Hormone: essential for plants recovering from stress (shipping, transplanting,
drought, insect damage, cold stress, etc.). Apply as needed.
For Sweeter, Bigger Fruit
Sunshine Honey - Fruit Sugar Booster: application on fruit trees will make
fruit bigger and sweeter by directing sugars to the fruit from other plant parts, and helps to prevent bud
drop. Apply 4 times a year: at bud setting, flowering, fruit setting, and
after harvesting.
For Better Resistance
Sunshine Power Si - Silicon Protector - enhances resistance to insects, diseases, drought, and frost, while boosting growth. Apply once a
month, along with Sunshine SuperFood.
Need Help? Our Plant Experts Are Ready to Assist!
