In this viewer inspired video, find out if Epsom salts are good for houseplants or if they result in salty soil. Epsom salts can be a great addition to your houseplants, as they provide the micronutrients magnesium and sulfur. Find out how to apply Epsom salts and how much and how often.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we have another viewer-inspired video. Truthseeker had asked in a previous video, where I talk about the dangers of salt buildup in the soil, whether adding Epsom salt occasionally to houseplants is different, and if it contributes to salt buildup. That was a really good question, and it can be a little confusing.
Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, which contains magnesium and sulfur, both of which are nutrients that plants need. So, it’s not actually a salt in the traditional sense. While it does have a salinity, it provides essential nutrients like magnesium and sulfur and won’t cause salt buildup when used occasionally.
You would use Epsom salt to provide your plants with more magnesium and sulfur. In fact, Epsom salts have been shown to help roses bloom, so this is something you can use on your indoor miniature roses to encourage more blooms. Epsom salts also aid in chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, making them an important nutrient for your houseplant soil and your houseplants in general. It will also help plants flower and fruit, making it beneficial for any fruiting and flowering plants you have indoors.
In answering Truthseeker’s question, it’s important to note that, like anything, you wouldn’t want to use Epsom salt all the time. Overuse can lead to a buildup of magnesium in your soil, disrupting the balance of nutrients. I generally recommend adding Epsom salt every three months. It doesn’t hurt to do a soil test to determine if your plant is deficient in magnesium, which can help you avoid overdoing it. If your plants are yellowing, not blooming, or not fruiting despite using well-balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), it could indicate a deficiency in magnesium and sulfur, and Epsom salts can help.
To use Epsom salts correctly, the rule of thumb is to mix two tablespoons into a gallon of warm water. The Epsom salt does resemble regular salt, so be sure not to eat it! You want to dissolve it in warm water for quick mixing. If you’re concerned about using too much, start with one tablespoon per gallon; it’s always safer to dilute. For example, if you’re mixing for a quarter gallon, you would use half a tablespoon.
I like to give my Dracaena a dose of Epsom salts occasionally, so I’ll be doing that for this plant today. Remember, you don’t need to do this all the time, but occasional use can be beneficial.
Another method is to use Epsom salts as a foliar fertilizer. I have a video on foliar feeding where you would use the same dilution and add a surfactant. Surfactants help the liquid stick to the plant leaves instead of just running off. When you do foliar feeding, it gets absorbed into the plant system much more quickly than through the roots. This can be particularly effective for plants that are yellowing and suspected to have a magnesium deficiency, or for those not flowering and fruiting when they should be. It’s also useful for ensuring healthy blooms if buds are just starting to show.
So, to answer the question, is Epsom salt okay for your houseplants? Yes! Used correctly, it can be great for your houseplants.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Epsom Salt for Houseplants
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, which contains magnesium and sulfur, both of which are nutrients that plants need. It’s not a salt in the traditional sense but provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.
Does Epsom salt contribute to salt buildup in the soil?
No, when used occasionally, Epsom salt does not contribute to salt buildup. It provides magnesium and sulfur, which are beneficial for your plants.
How often should I use Epsom salt on my houseplants?
It’s generally recommended to add Epsom salt every three months. Overuse can lead to a buildup of magnesium, disrupting nutrient balance in the soil.
How do I use Epsom salt for my plants?
The rule of thumb is to mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt into a gallon of warm water. If you’re concerned about using too much, you can start with one tablespoon per gallon for safer dilution.
Can Epsom salt help with yellowing plants?
Yes, Epsom salt can help if plants are yellowing and may be experiencing a magnesium deficiency. It can also support flowering and fruiting in plants.
How can I use Epsom salt as a foliar fertilizer?
To use Epsom salt as a foliar fertilizer, mix the same dilution in water and add a surfactant to help the solution stick to the leaves. This method allows for quicker absorption by the plants.
Is Epsom salt safe for all houseplants?
Yes, when used correctly, Epsom salt can be great for your houseplants. However, it’s important not to use it excessively to maintain a good nutrient balance.
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