A simple fertilizer for zamioculcas will work wonders: how to prepare it

Zamioculcas is considered one of the easiest plants to grow at home. It tolerates long breaks between watering and can grow successfully in very dark rooms. However, like any other plant, it still needs to be fertilized from time to time.

How to make fertilizer for zamioculcas at home? It's very simple: buy a fresh orange at the nearest store. You will get the flesh, and the peel will go to the plant. According to The Homespun Hydrangea, the orange peel contains a whole list of substances that can be useful to gardening enthusiasts.

Nitrogen and citric acid, which the product is rich in, will directly feed the plant. In addition to these, the peel contains a certain amount of phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for soil enrichment. Orange essential oils can also be beneficial as they repel pests.

Which peels to choose

The type of citrus fruit you choose to make the fertilizer does not matter much. They all contain the necessary substances. First of all, a good dose of nitrogen. The key is to wash the orange well before peeling to get rid of any unnecessary chemicals that may be on the surface of the fruit. Then the peels should be dried well before further processing.

Preparing the liquid fertilizer

To make a liquid orange-based plant care product (and this fertilizer will be useful not only for zamioculcas), put the washed peels of 2-3 medium-sized fruits in a glass jar, cover with a liter of water and place in a dark place. In 2-3 days, the nitrogen-rich and acidified liquid will be ready.

Strain the orange water to remove the peels and stir well. This liquid can be used to water the plants about once every 2-3 weeks. Zamioculcas needs such fertilization somewhat less often - once every 3-4 weeks - because it prefers soil with a more neutral acidity.

To protect the plant from pests such as aphids, spray it lightly with this liquid. Essential oils will scare away insects. However, it is important not to overdo it as it is not neutral in acidity and can damage the leaves in large quantities. You can also use this liquid, diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, to wipe pollinated leaves.

Preparing the powdered fertilizer

Spread the washed and dried orange peels in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. They should lie loosely to dry well. Put the baking sheet with the peels in the oven preheated to 140 degrees Celsius for one and a half to two hours. When the pieces are well dried, grind them in a coffee grinder and pour the resulting powder into an airtight container.

When you notice that the soil of the zamioculcas pot has turned gray, i.e., the nutrients have been weathered and washed away, sprinkle a thin layer of this powder on top. You can also rub this fertilizer into the ground. Thus, it will be absorbed even faster.

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