Gelatin: The secret ingredient for thriving houseplants
Fertilizing houseplants is an essential part of their proper care. You don’t need to rely solely on commercial products to nourish your plants. An inexpensive and effective mixture made from two ingredients can do the job perfectly.
Gelatin is a common culinary ingredient, mostly used in making jellies and desserts. However, not everyone knows that it can also be beneficial for cultivating house and garden plants. What impact does gelatin have, and how can you use it to fertilize your houseplants? Here are a few tips.
Why use fertilizer made from gelatin?
Using gelatin fertilizer offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, this fertilizer is an excellent source of nitrogen, as well as amino acids and minerals that promote plant growth. Additionally, it enhances the soil structure, making it more permeable and allowing plant roots better access to water. An undeniable benefit of this fertilizer is that it’s easy to prepare, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
How to make fertilizer from gelatin?
To make gelatin fertilizer, you need a tablespoon of gelatin, about 1 cup of hot water, and a bottle with a capacity of around 1 litre. Start by pouring the gelatin into a bowl, add the hot water, and mix vigorously. Pour the prepared solution into the bottle and fill it with cold water to the full capacity.
Using this homemade fertilizer is as simple as preparing it. Just water your plants with the solution every two weeks during the growing season.
Which plants should be watered with gelatin fertilizer?
Gelatin fertilizer is effective for many plant species. It is especially recommended for peace lilies, snake plants, ZZ plants, monstera, ferns, and ficus. With its help, their leaves become more vibrant and resilient to environmental factors.
Additionally, gelatin fertilizer can be used for leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, or arugula, as well as ornamental perennials like hostas and ornamental grasses.
Gelatin fertilizer is ideal for revitalizing weakened plants. Due to its nitrogen content, it accelerates regeneration and strengthens plants. However, it’s important to remember that not all plants should be fertilized with gelatin. It is not recommended for cacti or certain herbs. Moreover, avoid watering plants that are currently in bloom with it.
What to remember when using gelatin fertilizer?
As with any fertilizer, overuse of gelatin fertilizer can be detrimental. Watering too frequently can lead to soil salinization, so it’s crucial to follow the recommended frequency and use the solution judiciously, according to each plant's specific needs.
