How To Make Your Own DIY Round Leaf Calathea Fertilizer At Home

Houseplants have a special way of turning a house into a home, and the round leaf Calathea is no exception. With its vibrant foliage and striking patterns, it’s a favorite among plant lovers. But like any plant, it needs the right nutrients to thrive. Instead of reaching for store-bought fertilizers, why not make your own? It’s easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to give your Calathea the specific nutrients it craves.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a DIY fertilizer tailored specifically for the round leaf Calathea. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step process of making and applying the fertilizer. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started on this plant-loving journey.

Understanding Your Calathea’s Nutritional Needs

Before you whip up a batch of homemade fertilizer, it’s important to know what your Calathea needs. These plants are a bit particular about their environment and nutrients, so understanding them is half the battle. Calatheas thrive in environments that mimic the tropical rainforests of South America, where they originate. This means they need a balanced supply of nutrients to keep their leaves looking lush and vibrant.

Your Calathea will benefit from a fertilizer that provides a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf growth, phosphorus encourages strong root development, and potassium helps with overall plant health. Additionally, Calatheas appreciate micronutrients like magnesium and iron, which help maintain that beautiful leaf coloration.

A common mistake plant parents make is over-fertilizing, which can lead to leaf burn and a stressed plant. Calatheas are particularly sensitive to this, so a gentle, balanced approach is key. By making your own fertilizer, you can control the nutrient levels and ensure your plant gets just what it needs.

Gathering Ingredients for Your DIY Fertilizer

Creating your own fertilizer is simpler than you might think, and the ingredients are often items you already have at home or can easily find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Banana peels: Rich in potassium, banana peels are great for promoting overall plant health.
• Eggshells: These provide calcium, which can help strengthen the plant’s cell walls.
• Coffee grounds: High in nitrogen, they’re perfect for encouraging leaf growth.
• Epsom salt: Supplies magnesium, which is crucial for chlorophyll production and vibrant leaves.
• Water: You’ll need this to create a liquid fertilizer that’s easy to apply.

These ingredients offer a balanced approach to fertilizing your Calathea, providing both macronutrients and important micronutrients. Plus, using kitchen scraps like banana peels and eggshells is a great way to recycle and reduce waste. It’s a win-win situation for you and your plant!

Preparing Your DIY Fertilizer

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to turn them into a fertilizer that your Calathea will love. Follow these steps to prepare your DIY plant food:

Step 1: Dry and Crush the Eggshells

Start by rinsing the eggshells to remove any residue. Allow them to dry completely, either by leaving them out on a towel or using a low-temperature oven setting. Once dry, crush them into a fine powder. You can use a mortar and pestle, a food processor, or even a rolling pin to get the job done.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Peel

Chop the banana peel into small pieces. You can dry these pieces in the sun or use a dehydrator if you have one. Once dry, grind them into a powder. This might take a little patience, but the potassium boost your plant will get is well worth the effort.

Step 3: Brew Your Coffee Grounds

If you’re a coffee drinker, this step couldn’t be easier. Save those used coffee grounds (make sure they’re cooled) and dry them out. Spread them on a baking sheet and let them dry naturally or place them in a low-temperature oven for quicker results.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

In a container, combine:

• 1 tablespoon of crushed eggshells
• 1 tablespoon of ground banana peel
• 1 tablespoon of dried coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt

Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, making sure they’re well-blended. This dry mix can be stored in an airtight container and kept for several months, ready for when your Calathea needs a nutrient boost.

Creating a Liquid Fertilizer Solution

While the dry mix is handy, a liquid solution can be more effective for Calatheas, as it allows the nutrients to absorb into the soil more evenly. Here’s how you can turn your dry mix into a liquid fertilizer:

Step 1: Boil Water

Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. This will help extract the nutrients from your dry mix.

Step 2: Steep the Mix

Add 2 tablespoons of your dry mix to the boiling water. Stir it well and let it steep for about 24 hours. This allows the water to absorb the nutrients from the ingredients.

Step 3: Strain the Solution

After steeping, strain the mixture using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles. What you’re left with is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer perfect for your Calathea.

Store this liquid in a bottle or jar and use it within a week to ensure the nutrients remain potent. Remember, this DIY fertilizer is gentle, so your Calathea will appreciate the careful attention to its needs.

Applying the DIY Fertilizer to Your Calathea

With your liquid fertilizer ready to go, it’s time to feed your Calathea. The application is as important as the preparation, so here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Water Your Calathea

Before applying the fertilizer, ensure your plant is well-watered. This helps prevent fertilizer burn and allows for more even distribution of nutrients.

Step 2: Apply the Fertilizer

Using a watering can or spray bottle, apply the liquid fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid getting it on the leaves, as the concentrated solution could cause damage.

Step 3: Frequency

Fertilize your Calathea once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce the frequency to every six to eight weeks during the dormant period (fall and winter).

By following these steps, you’ll help your Calathea grow strong and healthy without overwhelming it with too many nutrients. Your plant will thank you with vibrant, patterned leaves that brighten up any space.

Monitoring Your Calathea’s Health

After you’ve started using your homemade fertilizer, keep an eye on your Calathea to ensure it’s responding well. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Healthy Growth: Look for new leaves and vibrant color. This indicates that your fertilizer is providing the right nutrients.
• Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning leaves may suggest over-fertilization or nutrient deficiency. Adjust your fertilizer application accordingly.
• Wilting or Drooping: This could be a sign of overwatering or insufficient nutrients. Ensure your watering schedule and fertilizer application are balanced.

By staying attentive to these signs, you’ll be able to make necessary adjustments and keep your Calathea thriving. Like any relationship, the one with your plant requires a bit of observation and care.

Benefits of Making Your Own Fertilizer

Creating your own fertilizer comes with several perks. First, you have complete control over what goes into your plant’s food. This means you can tailor the nutrients to suit your Calathea’s needs perfectly. Plus, it’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly, which is always a bonus.

By using kitchen scraps and common household items, you’re minimizing waste and repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in the trash. It’s a sustainable practice that benefits both your plant and the planet. Plus, the satisfaction of nurturing a plant with something you’ve made yourself is incredibly rewarding.

Lastly, making your own fertilizer allows you to experiment and tweak the recipe based on your plant’s response. It’s a great way to learn more about plant care and deepen your connection with your leafy companions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when fertilizing your Calathea. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Over-Fertilizing

Less is more when it comes to fertilizing Calatheas. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which in turn can cause leaf burn and damage the roots. Stick to a monthly schedule during the growing season and dial it back in the colder months.

Ignoring Micronutrient Needs

While N-P-K are crucial, don’t forget about the micronutrients. Elements like magnesium and iron play a significant role in maintaining healthy, colorful leaves. Ensure your fertilizer mix includes these components.

Not Adjusting for Growth Stages

Your Calathea’s nutritional needs will change as it grows. Younger plants may require more nitrogen for leaf development, while mature plants might need more potassium for overall health. Adjust your fertilizer mix as needed to cater to these changing needs.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure your Calathea stays healthy and vibrant all year round.

Additional Tips for Thriving Calatheas

Caring for a Calathea goes beyond just fertilizing. Here are a few extra tips to keep your plant happy:

• Light: Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so find a spot where they get plenty of filtered light.
• Humidity: These tropical plants love humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture in the air.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Temperature: Calatheas do best in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep them away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

By following these tips, along with your homemade fertilizer routine, your Calathea will thrive and bring beauty to your home for years to come.

Final Thoughts

In summary, creating your own DIY fertilizer for your round leaf Calathea is a rewarding endeavor that benefits both you and your plant. With the right balance of nutrients and careful attention to your plant’s needs, you can enjoy a healthy, thriving Calathea with vibrant leaves.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you care for your plants. We offer a variety of houseplants, plant care accessories, and plant-themed apparel. If you have any questions, feel free to email us or DM us on Instagram. We believe plants bring people together, and we’re excited to help you create a beautiful, thriving plant collection in your home.