Boric acid for indoor plants - use as a fertilizer

Fertilizers and preparations

Advances in modern technology have led to the emergence of a plethora of ready-made fertilizers for houseplants on the market. In pursuit of the best results, gardeners choose these, leaving behind effective but forgotten products. This isn't always the case, as inexpensive yet effective products can be used to improve the appearance and overall health of flowers. One such product is boric acid, whose effectiveness in houseplant care has long been known.

This product is readily available and inexpensive, easy to use, and the results it achieves often exceed expectations. Borax, in addition to floriculture, is also used in other areas, such as medicine and pest control. Its affordability and effectiveness are its main advantages.

Use of boric acid in floriculture

All indoor plants growing in confined spaces require fertilizing for proper development and growth. Nutrient deficiency leads to weakening, lack of flowering, poor growth, and sometimes even death. Applications of boric acid for the care of houseplants - an opportunity to provide your indoor pets with high-quality care.

Chemical properties and composition of the acid

The acid appears as transparent granules or powder, colorless and odorless, and poorly soluble in cold water. In natural conditions, it can be extracted unbound.

Boric acid is a component of certain minerals, such as colemanite, boracite, and borax. Boron is also present in seawater. Furthermore, every plant cell contains it.

In addition to boric acid, there are other fertilizers that contain boron:

Borax, or a salt of the acid, is used for spraying;
Boron supersulfate is used as a fertilizer.

Indications for use for indoor flowers

Adequate boron ensures high-quality growth and development for any plant. It promotes metabolic processes, increases chlorophyll content, and promotes nitrogen synthesis. It also increases calcium and oxygen supply to the root system. These conditions are essential for the well-being of potted plants.

Good to know!

In addition, the product's benefits for indoor plants include accelerating recovery after replanting and during sudden temperature changes, stimulating the formation of new growth points, and preventing putrefactive processes.

Signs of boron deficiency include the following:

darkening and dying off of growth points of roots and cuttings;
shedding of buds;
deformation of new leaves, their rapid wilting;
the stems break easily and lose elasticity;
leaves and stems become covered with brown spots;
The upper shoots turn pale, develop slowly, or die off.

This occurs primarily due to oxygen deficiency in the root system. This slows down the rate of nutrient delivery, which inevitably leads to wilting of the flower.

In such cases, the benefits of borax are undeniable. Used as a fertilizer, it stimulates seed germination, promotes abundant flowering of ornamental plants, and protects against disease.

Preparing a boric acid solution and calculating the dosage for indoor plants

Using this product to care for any flower has its own unique characteristics. By following all the guidelines, you can significantly improve the condition of your pets:

Borax is practically insoluble in cold water. To prepare a solution, the required amount of powder is first dissolved in a small amount of hot water, then diluted with cool water to the required volume.
Preparation of the solution
Before preparing the solution, it is necessary to determine for what purposes it will be used: the solution for watering and spraying are prepared in different proportions, otherwise the flower may be seriously damaged.
It's best to spray the product in the evening. Boron, combined with strong sunlight, can cause foliage and stem burns.

Soaking seeds

To increase the germination rate of seeds and ensure they germinate faster, it is recommended to soak them in a borax solution before planting.

To prepare the solution, add 0.2 g of the preparation per liter of water and dilute it according to the instructions—first in hot water, then in cold water. Then, place the seeds, pre-placed in a cloth or gauze bag, in the solution for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the plant variety.

Advice!

If there is a suspicion that the soil suffers from a boron deficiency, it can be treated with such a solution before planting the seed.

Alternatively, the seeds can be soaked in a boron-containing solution. To prepare it, take 1 liter of onion peel infusion, add 4-5 tablespoons of ash, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 g of manganese, and 0.2 g of boric acid.

Foliar spraying

Spraying houseplants with a boron solution ensures intense and long-lasting flowering, resistance to adverse conditions, and resistance to diseases and pests.

It's best to spray on a cloudy day or in the evening to avoid leaf burn. It's also important to remember that boron doesn't migrate from mature to young plants during the growing season, so spraying should be continued throughout the entire growing season.

To prepare a spray solution, dissolve 10 g of the product in 10 liters of water. If a smaller volume is needed, the ratio is determined at a rate of 1 g per 1 liter of liquid.

Pest control

The drug is primarily used to control ants, both garden and house. It disrupts the insects' nervous system, paralyzing them and leading to death.

Note!

The simplest way to protect against pests is to scatter powder in their habitat.

Another effective means of protection is insect bait. To prepare it, mix a teaspoon of powder, 100 g of hot water, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then pour the resulting paste into a shallow container and place it near the ant trails.

Root feeding

Root feeding is used primarily for flowering plants. It's done infrequently, usually once every three years, and only when the plant shows clear signs of boron deficiency.

To prepare a nutrient solution, dissolve 1-2 grams of acid in 10 liters of settled water. After applying the fertilizer, it's important for plants to receive sufficient sunlight, as boron stimulates nitrogen synthesis, and insufficient light will negatively impact growth. Please note that this product should be used with caution when fertilizing indoor plants.

Potential harm to indoor plants and precautions

Boric acid is a low-hazard substance for humans, classified as Class 4. It does not cause any harm when in contact with the skin. However, boron can accumulate in the body because it is poorly eliminated by the excretory system.

Overdosing on boron can have negative consequences for plants. If the acid is diluted improperly, it can cause:

Root burns of varying severity occur. This is why the soil must be well-moistened before applying root fertilizer.
Drying of the edges of the leaves.
Dying and falling of leaves.

Most often, the roots and old leaves of the plant suffer from excess borax.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of boron deficiency in houseplants?

In the early stages, boron deficiency has no obvious symptoms. Severe deficiency causes plants to wither, growth to slow, and flower buds to die and fall off before they bloom. Furthermore, stems and leaves become brittle and easily broken, and develop brown spots.

Can boron accumulate in plants?

Boron accumulates unevenly in plants and is not redistributed between old and young shoots. Accumulation occurs primarily in the leaves, with lesser amounts in the roots and stems. High boron levels in foliage cause the leaf margins to dry out, and the leaves gradually turn yellow, die, and fall off.

How many times a month should you fertilize with boric acid solution?

Root feeding is performed no more than once every few years. However, spraying with a boric acid solution is acceptable more frequently. This is done several times during the plant's active growth period – usually three times from spring to fall. Flowering plants are treated at budding, during flowering, and after the buds have fallen.

Which garden plants are fertilized with borax?

Borax is an effective fertilizer for virtually all garden and vegetable crops. Its use is justified for increasing fruit yields and improving the flavor of fruits and vegetables without the need for additional nutrients.

The importance of boron for plant life is undeniable. A deficiency can cause significant harm to flowers and even lead to their death. Boric acid is a simple and effective remedy not only for indoor plants but also for garden plants. Proper use will increase the yield of fruit plants and allow indoor flowers to bloom to their full potential.