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        • Buchanan’s Native Plants has been serving Houston gardeners since 1986. Located in the historic Houston Heights, the garden center is dedicated to native plants and organic gardening.  You will find the best selections of hardy natives as well as perennials, herbs, vegetables, trees, shrubs & roses — all suited to the Houston climate.

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Fertilizers

Home » Lawn and Garden » Fertilizer

Plant Nutrition

Like any living thing, plants need the proper nutrition to grow and thrive. But if you have never thought of fertilizer before, you probably find yourself at a loss as to how to apply it. In its simplest terms, fertilizer is a naturally occurring organic or inorganic material that, through being added to soil, provides nutrients essential for plant health. When choosing a fertilizer for your garden, you have a variety of options – organic or chemical – which can be applied in either liquid or solid form.


Fertilizer Explained

Fertilizer numbers are important in determining the nutrient content of fertilizers. However, in their various forms, they can be confusing to understand and confusing to compare. The numbers on fertilizer packages tell you how much nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are in it. These three numbers on the package represent the N-P-K ratio of the fertilizer.

So what does each element do for the plant?

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is mainly used for the production of proteins and chlorophyll. Plants need nitrogen to make amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins help build strong stems, leaves, and roots which support plant growth and strength against stresses such as high wind and heavy rain.

Phosphorous

Phosphorus is a crucial nutrient in plant nutrition. It is essential for vegetative growth and it also has a major impact on flowering and fruiting. Phosphorous is a key component in DNA and RNA; it also plays a significant role in energy transfer within the cell.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral, an essential nutrient that is required by plants’ overall health. Potassium deficiency can occur when the soil pH is too high or there is too much available nitrogen. Having enough potassium will lead to a plant with greater stress tolerance.


Nutri-Star Fertilizer

When you spend hours picking out the perfect plants for the garden, you want to make sure you have a fertilizer that helps them grow to their full potential.

Each Nelson NutriStar product is agronomically designed for a different type of plant, releasing the targeted macro and micronutrients required for various plant types to thrive. The company used extensive research in nutrient needs for a variety of species to develop their plant-specific NutriStar products. The results are stronger plants that yield stunning results.

Read more about each Nutri-Star Product below!

  • Hibiscus
  • Azalea
  • Plumeria
  • Bougainvillea

Where to Use

Flowering tropicals including: Althea,
Ixora, Mallow Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, TX Sage,
TX Star Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus

Benefits

  • Five sources of Nitrogen
  • Non-leaching and will not burn plants
  • Highly effective both indoors and outdoors

How To Use

Apply over the entire surface of the growing media and water in thoroughly. Apply at the following rate:1 tablespoon of product for every 1 gallon of water.

Where to Use

Plants that prefer an acidic
environment or have problems with
iron deficiencies, including but not
limited to: Azaleas, Caladiums,
Dogwoods, Ferns, Gardenias,
Hydrangeas, Jasmines, Magnolias,
Red Buds

Benefits

  • Three sources of Nitrogen that are slow relase types which helps avoid root burn
  • Three types of iron and four acidifying sources

How To Use

Apply over the entire surface of the growing media and water in thoroughly. Apply at the following rate: 2 tablespoons of product for every 1 gallon of water.

Where to Use

Flowering tropicals including: Candletrees,
Crotons, Frangipanis, Ground Orchids,
Ixora, Lei Plants, Mexican Firebrush,
Plumeria, Stephanotis, Tree Ferns

Benefits

  • Slow release fertilizer
  • Improves flowering and plant structure

How To Use

Apply over the entire surface of the growing media and water in thoroughly. Apply at the following rate: 1 tablespoon of product for every 1 gallon of water.

Where to Use

For flowering vines including,but not
limited to: Allamanda, Bougainvilleas,
Coral Vines, Diplandenia, Honeysuckles,
Jessamines, Mandevilla, Passion Vines,
Queen Ann’s Lace, Trumpet Vines,
Wisteria

Benefits

  • Promotes healthy growth and blooms
  • Four sources of Nitrogen

How To Use

Distribute evenly over planted area and water thoroughly. Use
at a rate of 1/2 cup per 10 sq. ft. or 5 cups per 100 sq. ft.


Brands We Trust

Microlife Logo MicroLife
Fox FARM logo Fox Farm
Osmocote Logo Osmocote
Nelson Plant food logo Nelson Plant Food
Maestro Gro Logo Maestro Gro
Nitro Phos Logo Nitro- Phos

Want to know more about our fertilizers?

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Buchanan’s Native Plants
611 East 11th Street
Houston, Texas 77008

713-861-5702

Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
Open Every Day – Monday – Sunday

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