How matches can boost your houseplants without fertilizers
People who have houseplants know how important it is to provide appropriate care. To nourish plants without using fertilizers, try using matches.
Ordinary matches, which we usually associate with lighting candles or a fireplace, can become invaluable helpers in growing houseplants. Although it sounds unusual, the practice of sticking them into the soil in a pot is gaining more followers. Why should you stick matches into the soil of houseplants? Let us explain!
What does the trick with matches in the pot offer?
Each match contains several key ingredients in its head: potassium chlorate, sulfur, magnesium, and phosphorus. These substances contribute to improving the condition of your plants. How does it work in practice?
Phosphorus, one of the main components, is essential for root growth. It helps create a strong root system, which is the foundation for healthy growth and development. Meanwhile, sulfur and magnesium support the production of chlorophyll—the substance responsible for the green color of leaves and the efficiency of photosynthesis.
Thanks to these properties, matches can help combat various pests and fungal diseases. While this method cannot fully replace fertilizer, it is an alternative to improve your plants' condition. As a result, they become healthier, and the leaves develop a more intense color.
Using matches in plant care is simple and time-efficient. To utilize their properties, stick a few matches head-side down into the soil and then water the plant. The heads of these matches must be completely buried, which optimizes the release of the compounds they contain. After two days, check if the sulfur from the match heads has disappeared. If so, you can remove them from the pot.
This process is best repeated weekly until the plant's condition improves. Usually, a few such cycles are enough.
Using matches is an economical and ecological alternative to store-bought plant fertilizers. It can be a remedy for drying out or diseases for some plants.
Despite numerous advantages, this method is not without flaws. Matches may not be fully effective for large plants with advanced infections. Therefore, it's worth incorporating this practice as part of a care routine tailored to the specific needs of each houseplant at home.
