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When to Start Fertilizing

ToddS.

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Jan 9, 2022
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Hello All,
I have a newbie question please. I have an I-258 in a container (indoors). It has come out of dormancy and has it's first couple of leaves (it is about 4 inches tall). When should I start adding fertilizer to this small tree? and what is a good starter fertilizer for such small fig trees? (or should I just leave it alone for a while?)
 

Shaft

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Aug 30, 2021
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I buy the Wal-mart knock-off of MG. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Expert-G...uble-Plant-Food-Fertilizer-5-lb-Box/138006473

This goes for all young plants, not just cuttings. Take a look at the N-P-K numbers. In this case it's 24-8-16. Most people know about this part of it, so I'll keep it brief. What most people don't know is what #s are safe for young plants, so they either overdo it or they don't do it at all.

The goal is to dilute this to 1-1-1, but anything under 5-5-5 is acceptable. So at this rate, it's 1tbsp per gallon of water and that will get you 24-8-16. If you cut that in half (1/2 tbsp) it yields 12-4-8. If you cut that in half, (1/4 tbsp), you're at 6-2-4, and if you cut that in half again it brings you within range at 1/8 tbsp (which is around 1/3 of a tsp) for a yield of 3-1-2. When do I use this? As soon as I suspect it might have roots. As I believe the roots are more established (And I have ways of testing this), I will up the concentration. When you're playing with dosage, look for signs of yellowing: if you see any, you've over-fertilized. Under-fertilization using this method isn't really an option, which is why I like it: If I see yellowing, I know which direction I'm erring. Otherwise, it's hard to tell the difference.
 

Figology

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Sep 10, 2021
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132
I would would use 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water to start. You don’t want to shock your roots with a ton of nutrients.
 

Figology

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Sep 10, 2021
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Keep in mind most soil will have a few months worth of essential nutrients. Any coco/pete has little nutritional value so they’ll need weak fertilizer when roots appear.
 

Shaft

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Aug 30, 2021
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Keep in mind most soil will have a few months worth of essential nutrients. Any coco/pete has little nutritional value so they’ll need weak fertilizer when roots appear.
Are you starting out with half a tsp at that point? I'm going for around 1/3-1/2 tsp. Are you saying that I could do 1/2 tsp?
 

Figology

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Sep 10, 2021
Messages
132
Are you starting out with half a tsp at that point? I'm going for around 1/3-1/2 tsp. Are you saying that I could do 1/2 tsp?
1/2 tsp or 1/6 strength should be diluted enough for newly developed roots. I’m only using on my clear containers where I can see roots forming. I’m using when there’s roots and leaf formation.
 

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