Fertilization Tips

A plant in a container is like a newborn: unable to drink or feed itself, it relies entirely on us.

So what should we provide?

Essential fertilizing elements, three of which are crucial:

• Nitrogen (N),
• Phosphorus (P),
• Potassium (K).

Nitrogen
It drives growth and plays a key role in photosynthesis. Emerald-green foliage is the sign of good nitrogen nutrition.

Phosphorus
It builds the framework of the tree: trunk, branches, and roots.

Potassium
Without it, there are no flowers, and therefore no fruit.

It is important to note that the lack of one of these three elements blocks the action of the other two. This is called an induced deficiency.

Natural fertilizers can be used, but their exact levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are difficult to measure.

Synthetic fertilizers suffer from an often unfair bad reputation.

Yet they are easy to use, highly effective, and in reality more environmentally friendly than critics claim.

Their composition is precise, they are quickly absorbed by the plant, which avoids runoff that causes pollution.

They are also often enriched with magnesium and/or sulfur, both important for healthy plants.

We recommend a balanced fertilizer type 15-15-15 (meaning 15% N-P-K).

For a shrub with a trunk diameter between 3 and 10 cm, apply a generous handful twice a month, from March to October.

Why such frequency?
Because it prevents uneven feeding, avoiding both excess and deficiency.

Each application should be followed by thorough watering, which dissolves the fertilizer and makes it available to the plant.

And let us not forget: a well-nourished plant, just like humans, is more resistant to pests (insects, fungi, bacteria…).