Fertilizing in planters

17 years ago

I need to know if plants in pots (most of mine are in planters) need to be fertilized more often? I know they need more water, but I have started to notice some lighter green leaves indicating a nutritional deficiency based on photos I have seen, even though I fertilize monthly with a good quality fertilizer. I am seeing it in the larger plants mostly, and have increased the amount they are getting monthly, but am wondering if bi monthly might be more beneficial to them sine they ARE in pots and as a result have a limited soild base to get nutrients from....or is fertlizing roses more trial and error for your own circumstances?

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Comments (4)

rosesnpots
17 years ago
The majority of my roses are also in pots. I would not feed them more often as it can develop a build up in the pots. What type of fertilizer do you use? I use organic slow release fertiizer and if I do see a problem such a lighter leaves I feed for that problem only. How long the roses have been in the same potting mix it also a factor. Rule of thumb is change the mix every 3 years.
diane_nj 6b/7a
17 years ago
What I do is to fertilize with a water soluble, more frequently, but at 1/3 or 1/2 strength.

You may also want to look at time-release products similar to Osmokote, they work very well in pots.

I do use Espoma Rose-tone in pots, but it takes the microherd longer to get into the pots and start working on breaking down the fertilizer. That's why I also use the water soluble (& fish emulsion).
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kstrong
17 years ago
One thing I have noticed on fertilizing my pots (and this is from bad experience) is that you need to keep the fertilizer (even organics like chicken manure/alfalfa/cottonseed meal, etc.) AWAY from the stem of the plant.

It is tempting to just dump the fertilizer onto the top of the potting soil in the pot -- don't do it -- it will probably burn the stems it is near.

Better to take the time and arrange the fertilizer in a donut around the stems -- you'll save yourself some heartache.

Kathy
particentral
Original Author
17 years ago
Ok I am using a time release fertilizer the nursery sold me right now and I just added Iron because it seemed to be what matched the photos the most closely. It is working well. My theory on pots needing more fertilizer is because they have drainage holes that allow excessive water to run out the bottom and I assume that water soluble fertilizers run out with it. I mean, it would make sense they would need it more often....last year my rose bushes I had bloomed until December. I had a sheltered area for them to winter in and they never went truly dormant. The grafted two color rose I had last year never lost a leaf and was green all year long. If that happens again and we don't have a killing freeze that affects the bushes does that mean they need fed more into winter as well? Or do I let them go like I will the ones in the ground? I just think potted roses need different care but I do not know for sure.