Minerals In Solution

Minerals in solution (plant food) are taken up by roots and are transported around the plant as needed.

Plants can only take up nutrients, minerals, as a solution. They can not take them up as solids.

If a plant is under-watered it will not be able to take up the mineral solution it requires to grow and thrive.

In dry soils the nutrients will not be able to dissolve, leaving the plant unable to absorb them as a solution.

It is important to water your plants correctly, especially if they are in pots or containers.

Careful and proper feeding of your plants should be done on a regular basis. Do not overdue it with fertilisers and plant feeds.

Make sure you read the plant feed instructions and do not over apply.

Over applying plant feeds and fertilisers can have disastrous effects, even if you are watering your plants correctly.

Some nutrients can reach toxic levels if too much plant feed or fertiliser is applied over a period of time.

The symptoms of over feeding are wilting, which is similar to under-watering, and scorching.

If you have a plant that has been over-fed and showing signs of stress, wilting or scorching, or both, stop feeding immediately.

Remove the plant from it's pot or container and carefully remove the old compost, taking care not to damage the roots too much.

Re-pot the plant into the same size pot or container using new, fresh compost and lightly water.

Keep the plant in a sheltered position for a few days taken care not to over or under water.

Do not apply any plant feed or fertiliser until the plant has recovered and certainly not for at least four weeks.

So, as plants can only take up minerals in solution, don't forget to water and feed your plants properly.

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