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Anyone use Plant Food Spikes?

18 years ago

Anyone use plant food spikes, such as Miracle Grow or Jobes? I used them on some of my plants last year and they seemed to do fine, but before I use them on my precious hoyas I want to make sure it's okay to do so...

I'd rather not use liquid fertilizer, as the way I water it would leech out pretty quickly, and besides, one of my crazy cats likes drinking (and showering in) the runoff from the pots.

Featured Answer

canttype

18 years ago

Seems to me that if your cat drinks the water.... she'll be drinking fertilizer either way you go!

I haven't used the spikes in my plants in years because I had some fert burn, so I use 1/2 or 1/4 strength schultz every time I water during the growing season. Once in a while during the summer my Hoyas get left over orchid or violet food.

1/2 or 1/4 strength fert would probably be easier on your cat than what comes out of the pots with spikes in them. (don't think I'd let my 'Fat Cat'(sorry but she is fat) have anything to do with either but....not my cat!)

MHO
Diane

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Comments (6)

torajima
Original Author
18 years ago
Well, I figure the cat would be drinking a lot less fertilizer if it was a time-released solid fertilizer.

Honestly though, I'd rather use spikes because I'm too lazy to fertilize every two weeks... better to stick a few spikes in and forget about it for 6 months! ^_^
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canttype
18 years ago
Time release fertilizers are made to release a FULL strength dose of ferilizer everytime you water. You have no control over the strength and the spikes might burn your Hoya's roots.

In my opinion (for whatever that is worth?) is not to fertilize your Hoyas at all if spikes are your only option!

Somebody else please jump in!
Diane
greattigerdane
18 years ago
I wont use fertilizer sticks either, in fact, anytime any ones gives me a pack for whatever reason, I throw them out. They take time to break down, and the sticks can lay right up against roots and in time burn them like Diane experienced which can make for a very sad plant.

I like to use the water soluble fertilizer (powder) just a small pinch in a ole big watering can once a week or so, easy, no bother at all.

Maybe you can dump out the excess "fertilized water" from the plant saucer almost right after watering, after it drains all out and out of the reach of kitty. If fertilizer (whatever kind) can possibly burn plant roots, what might it be capable of doing to soft tissue?

Billy Rae
langlin
18 years ago
I agree with Diane, if in doubt, leave it out. I'd rather use no fertilizer than spikes.

Leon
User
18 years ago
I tend to agree w/ the majority. I avoid the spikes, just don't care for them (can't quite say why really, just on odd feeling).

I do fine w/ powdered fertilizer, which I mix up every month or 2 in warmer seasons. Schultz loquid drops to dilute are regulars for me too. I have the Schultz for AVs & C&S. For the rest of the houseplants I tend to use a 20-20-20 for Spring & Fall & Bloombuster in summer (higher middle #, something like 15-30-15 or such).

For easiest of all, I might suggest Miraclo Gro liquid which can be used 7 drops per qt. for monthly feeding. I think that was my first regular fertilizer when I was making a hobby of reviving some so-so houseplants at diff. offices at which I've worked.

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