Snow roses bloom in the cold season. Depending on the variety, the colors of the flowers range from white to pink to deep dark purple. However, in order for the Christmas rose to bloom so beautifully, it needs an appropriate location and fertilizer that promotes its willingness to bloom. Home remedies are also suitable for this. It is important to always proceed carefully when fertilizing.
Principles of fertilization
Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) require so few nutrients that generally less is more. For example, if they grow under trees, larger bushes or between deciduous perennials, it is sufficient if the leaves are not removed in winter. It provides the black hellebore with enough nutrients while it rots. If the flowers grow in a perennial bed, they do not need to be fertilized separately if the bed is supplied with fertilizer in the spring anyway.
Promote flowering
The right fertilizer should not only support the growth of perennials. If fertilized incorrectly, leaves will grow, but the flowers will not bloom. Christmas roses need a lot of lime to bloom. It is therefore important to pay attention to the lime content of the soil and fertilizer. In the long term, the plant does not feel comfortable in acidic substrate.
Eggshells
In most households, these natural fertilizers are produced in greater or lesser quantities. The shells are primarily rich in lime, but they also contain other minerals. It is not necessary to make a distinction between raw or boiled eggs. The peels can be crushed and added to the compost or they can be finely ground and incorporated into the soil near the Christmas roses. Ground eggshells can also be mixed into the substrate for potted plants.
Rock flour
It works similarly to eggshells and provides the plants with the necessary lime as well as other minerals. Rock dust can also be added to compost or plant manure.
Note:
Egg shells and rock dust are not suitable as sole fertilizers; this would lead to a nutrient deficiency as they have too one-sided effect.
Horn shavings
Or horn meal are fast-acting organic fertilizers that can be easily mixed into soil and can therefore also provide potted plants with nutrients. A small amount is completely sufficient for Christmas roses.
Coffee grounds
Although this fertilizer is very rich, it is only partially suitable for Christmas roses. Coffee residue strongly acidifies the soil. It is therefore necessary that a lime-rich fertilizer is also given. If the soil is already acidic, it is better to use other fertilizers. Or the coffee grounds are composted and mixed with other plant residues. Then the acidifying effect is no longer as strong.
Potato water
Only cooking water with no or very little s alt is suitable for fertilizing. Before it is used, it must cool down and can then simply be used to water the Christmas roses. In addition to nutrients, potato water also contains important trace elements.
Compost
Most kitchen waste is suitable as a source of nutrients if it has taken the detour via the compost heap. There they are transformed into loose, nutritious soil that is good for many plants. Black hellebore benefits from compost when planting. In addition, potted plants can be placed back into compost soil when repotting, so there is no need for additional fertilizing. Compost soil is worked into beds around the plants twice a year.
Chalk
Chalk is not suitable as a sole fertilizer, but it is suitable for liming the plants. Chalk can be ground and mixed into the soil or a piece of chalk can be placed in the soil near the plants.
Tip:
Only white chalkboard is suitable, without any other additives.
Crap
Cow, horse or other animal manure should only be used sparingly when fertilizing Christmas roses. Manure is always very rich in nutrients and there is a risk of over-fertilization. However, it is well suited to be worked into the soil when planting and to supply the plants with nutrients in the early stages.
Mulch
Continuous mulching of the beds is good for ensuring an even supply of nutrients. Further fertilizing is then usually unnecessary; at best, adding lime every now and then can be useful. Mulch also protects against drying out and suppresses weeds. Suitable plant materials:
- Foliage (except oak or walnut)
- Lawn clippings (do not apply too thickly)
- dried weed
- Plant cuttings
Note:
Do not use bark mulch, it acidifies the soil.
Plant manure
Manure from different plants is easy to make yourself. The required amount of plant mass is mixed with water in a bucket and then left to stand until fermentation has stopped. This can be recognized by the fact that bubbles no longer appear. Manure is always diluted with water and the plants can then simply be watered with it.
Plants from which manure can be made for fertilization
- Stinging Nettle
- Giersch
- Dandelions
- Mixture of different herbs
Note:
Plant manure not only fertilizes, it also strengthens plants against pests and diseases.
Tea sets
Not only coffee grounds, but also tea grounds can be used for fertilization. This doesn't just apply to loose tea. However, tea bags have to be composted first if you don't want to cut them open and then sprinkle the loose tea around the plants and work it into the soil. If tea is used, some lime should also be added.
