How to fix nutrient deficiencies in houseplants

How to Fix Nutrient Deficiencies in Houseplants

By Simran Jeet | Oct 13, 2025, 06:26 pm

Houseplants can be a wonderful addition to your home, bringing life and freshness to any space. However, to keep them thriving, proper care is essential—especially ensuring they receive adequate nutrients. If your houseplants appear unhealthy or stunted, nutrient deficiencies might be the culprit.

Here are five natural and effective ways to fix nutrient deficiencies in your houseplants without relying on chemical fertilizers. These tips will help keep your plants healthy, vibrant, and flourishing.

1. Use Compost Tea for a Nutrient Boost

Compost tea is an excellent natural fertilizer rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that enhance soil health and plant growth. To make compost tea, soak well-rotted compost in water for a few days. The liquid you get can be applied to your plants’ soil once every two weeks to provide a nutrient boost and improve overall vitality.

2. Apply Banana Peels for Potassium

Banana peels are a great source of potassium, a vital nutrient that strengthens stems and promotes better flowering. Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them in the soil around your plants, or blend them with water to create a liquid fertilizer. This method releases potassium slowly, supporting healthy plant development.

3. Utilize Epsom Salt for Magnesium

Magnesium is crucial for photosynthesis, and Epsom salt is a rich source of this nutrient. To use, dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in one gallon of water. Apply this solution as a foliar spray or directly to the soil once a month. This simple treatment helps correct magnesium deficiencies and boosts your plants’ overall health.

4. Incorporate Coffee Grounds for Nitrogen

Used coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen, essential for lush leaf growth. You can sprinkle coffee grounds directly on the soil or mix them into your compost before applying it to plants. Besides providing nitrogen, coffee grounds also improve soil structure by adding organic matter.

5. Use Crushed Eggshells for Calcium Enrichment

Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which helps prevent disorders like blossom end rot particularly in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. Rinse eggshells thoroughly after use, let them dry completely, then crush them into small pieces. Add the crushed shells to the soil surface around affected plants or mix them into potting mix during repotting.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your plant care routine, you can effectively address nutrient deficiencies and keep your houseplants thriving without harsh chemicals.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/fix-nutrient-deficient-houseplants-with-these-hacks/story

Here’s how you can grow bay leaves at home

**Here’s How You Can Grow Bay Leaves at Home**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 10:43 am*

Growing bay leaves indoors can be a rewarding experience, offering fresh, aromatic herbs to enhance your cooking. Bay laurel trees are well-known for their flavorful leaves, which add depth to a variety of dishes. With the right care and conditions, you can successfully cultivate bay leaves right inside your home.

Here are some practical tips to help you grow healthy bay laurel plants indoors:

### 1. Choosing the Right Pot
Selecting an appropriate pot is essential for indoor bay leaf growth. Look for containers with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. A pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter provides ample space for root expansion. Additionally, choose breathable materials like terracotta or ceramic, which help maintain proper moisture levels in the soil.

### 2. Providing Adequate Light
Bay laurel trees thrive when exposed to plenty of light. Position your plant near a south-facing window to ensure it receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. If natural sunlight is limited, consider using grow lights as a supplement. Place the lights about 12 inches above the plant and leave them on for 12 to 16 hours each day to mimic natural conditions.

### 3. Maintaining Proper Soil Conditions
Using the right soil mix is crucial for healthy bay leaves indoors. Opt for a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter such as peat moss or compost. This combination retains moisture without becoming soggy. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6 to 7. Check soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger about an inch deep—water only when this top layer feels dry.

### 4. Watering and Fertilizing Wisely
Proper watering and fertilization keep your bay laurel vibrant and thriving. Water the plant whenever the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering by ensuring excess water can drain freely from the pot’s base. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your bay laurel with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks, following the product instructions carefully for best results.

### 5. Pruning for Healthy Growth
Pruning plays a vital role in maintaining the shape and size of your bay laurel while stimulating new growth. Use sharp shears to trim any leggy or overgrown branches, ideally in early spring before new growth begins. Regular pruning will keep your plant healthy, tidy, and attractive throughout the year.

By following these straightforward tips, you can enjoy fresh bay leaves at home year-round. Happy gardening!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-grow-bay-leaves-indoors/story

Here’s how you can grow bay leaves at home

**Here’s How You Can Grow Bay Leaves at Home**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 10:43 AM*

Growing bay leaves indoors can be a rewarding experience, providing fresh, aromatic herbs for your culinary creations. Bay laurel trees are prized for their flavorful leaves that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. With the right conditions and care, you can successfully cultivate these plants inside your home.

Here are some practical tips to help you grow healthy bay leaves indoors:

### 1. Choosing the Right Pot
Selecting the proper pot is essential for your bay laurel’s growth. Opt for a container with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots. A pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter allows enough space for root expansion. Additionally, choose breathable materials like terracotta or ceramic to help maintain optimal moisture levels in the soil.

### 2. Providing Adequate Light
Bay laurel trees require plenty of light to thrive indoors. Place your plant near a south-facing window where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights as an alternative. Position the lights about 12 inches above the plant and keep them on for 12 to 16 hours each day to mimic natural sunlight.

### 3. Maintaining Proper Soil Conditions
A well-draining soil mix is vital for growing bay leaves indoors. Use potting soil enriched with organic matter such as peat moss or compost, which helps retain moisture without becoming soggy. Ideally, the soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6 to 7. To gauge moisture levels, stick your finger about an inch into the soil; water only when the top inch feels dry.

### 4. Watering and Fertilizing Wisely
Water your bay laurel when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains out from the bottom of the pot to avoid overwatering. During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.

### 5. Pruning for Healthy Growth
Pruning is crucial to maintain your bay laurel’s shape and encourage new growth. Use sharp shears to trim any leggy or overgrown branches, ideally in early spring before the new growth begins. Regular pruning will keep your plant healthy and looking its best throughout the year.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh bay leaves at home while nurturing a beautiful indoor plant. Happy gardening!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-grow-bay-leaves-indoors/story