WHAT IS FOLIAR FEEDING?

By Nancy Robitaille

Foliar feeding is the feeding of plants through their leaves rather than through their roots. Why should your foliar feed? Because foliar feeding is a powerful stimulant to plant growth. It will help to counteract pH problems or lockup. It may even be used to produce a quick reaction in plants for special purposes such as blooming for special occasions.

Foliar feeding on wilted or damaged plants allows food to be taken in when roots may be in poor condition. It perks up the plant without danger of root or crown rot.
When variegated plants are too white, foliar spraying with fish emulsion will supply enough nitrogen to the white leaves allowing them to “green up.”

With rooted leaves, foliar feeding helps the development of healthy baby plants and baby plants receiving foliar spray are not damaged as they could be with using the usual fertilizer solution in the watering.

For Show plants when you begin to disbud, feed high nitrogen to promote strong and large leaves. Foliar feeding may help to keep lower row of leaves from yellowing or deteriorating, getting brown on the edges, etc.
When disbudding is discontinued, use high phosphorus to increase the formation of buds. Foliar feeding is thought to increase the number and size of blooms.

Mixing Foliar Fertilizer

Use the usual formula for fertilizer, ie., one-quarter teaspoon to a gallon of WARM, even HOT water An even lighter application of one-eighth teaspoon to a gallon of water is recommended if fertilizer is unknown. Make sure your spray bottle or vaporizer gives an even spray and does not allow water to drip causing accumulation of formula on the leaf. 

Foliar feeding may be used as often as twice a week for a period, and then plants may be misted with plain, hot water. Do not neglect watering the plant. 

Not all fertilizers are good for foliar feeding. Make sure the label states this fact. 
Fish emulsion, Miracle Gro, Rapid Gro, Plant Marvel are good foliar spraying fertilizers.

Hot summers are not the best time for foliar feeding. Whenever introducing something new to your collection always start with one or two plants then increase to your entire collection if you have success.