Ammonia for indoor plants - application and dosage

Fertilizers and preparations

When plants are planted in pots, mineral-rich soil sooner or later loses its beneficial properties, washed away with each watering, and the flower requires constant nourishment for full development.

There are specially developed complexes for certain types of flowers, mineral and organic fertilizers, as well as folk remedies that can prolong the life of flowers and improve their appearance.

One proven, inexpensive, and readily available remedy is ammonia, which can be purchased as a solution at a pharmacy and successfully used to feed indoor plants.

Characteristics and chemical properties of ammonia

Ammonia is diluted ammonium hydroxide with varying ammonia concentrations. The most popular 10% version can be found at any pharmacy. A 25% solution is also common, but it's only sold in specialized fertilizer stores.

Ammonia is a gas that has a high solubility in water, which depends on its temperature; its solubility decreases with increasing temperature. This product is a clear, liquid solution with a distinctive ammonia odor, unpleasant to humans and animals.

In terms of chemical composition, it is a very simple concentrate, popularly known as ammonia.

Flowers — Gardeners use the term ammonia as an analog of ammonia, even though their actual chemical formulas are different.

This substance is used in the following areas:

agriculture;
chemical industry;
medicine, the most popular remedy for fainting;
antiseptic;
cleaning of copper alloys.

Good to know!

This type of ammonium has also proven itself as a fertilizer for various agricultural crops due to its nitrogen content, which is essential for plant growth and development.

How to apply

An affordable and accessible option for nitrogen fertilizer is ammonium hydroxide solution, which is sold in pharmacies and specialty stores. Since all flowers require nitrogen directly from the soil, this fertilizer is essential for their normal development. When using ammonia as a fertilizer, plants quickly receive the nitrogen needed for chlorophyll production, as the solution is immediately absorbed without any additional processing.

Ammonia has found wide use among flower growers in the form of a mixture of varying concentrations; it is ideal for the following flowers:

lily;
geranium;
nasturtium:
clematis;
violet.

The second common use of this substance among amateur gardeners is to increase plant resistance to various pests and diseases, as ammonia liquid has a positive effect in the fight against various pests and diseases.

Preparation of solution and calculation of dosage

To help indoor plants thrive, it's important to correctly calculate the required amount of any fertilizer to avoid damaging the flowers. This also applies to ammonium solution. It can be used for three main purposes:

processing and disinfection of pots in which indoor flowers are planned to be planted;
direct feeding of greens;
Pest control and insect protection.

Options for the required concentrate depending on the expected result:

To prepare the disinfectant, grate 100 g of laundry soap into shavings; it's best to use regular brown 72% soap without additives or fragrances. Prepare 5 liters of hot water and dissolve the soap in it, then add 60 ml of ammonia (10%). Thoroughly wash the pots with the resulting solution and rinse them under running water. After this, you can safely plant your flowers.
Ammonia solution
It is recommended to use different mixtures for decorative foliage and flowering indoor plants. For foliage plants, a solution of 2 tablespoons of ammonia solution mixed with 1 liter of cold water is suitable. This fertilizer should be used once a week. To improve the well-being of flowering plants, water them with a weaker mixture: 1 tablespoon of ammonia per 1 liter of water. This feeding should begin a few days after buds appear.
The most common pests that enter homes are aphids, weevils, and midges. The following ammonium-based treatments are suitable for their control:
- aphids: dilute 50 ml of alcohol solution in 7 liters of water, you can spray and water with this solution;
  Aphids on houseplants
- weevil: 25 ml of ammonia per 5 liters of cold water for watering the soil;
- midge: mix 25 ml of liquid with 2 liters of settled water, suitable for watering.

The suggested methods for preparing a nitrogen fertilizer for plants are universal. However, it's important to consider the size of the pot and the plant itself when watering or spraying the solution.

Basic rules of use

It is best to use ammonia to replenish nitrogen losses, to “invigorate” foliage during its active growth period, and to improve flowering when buds appear, but this type of organic fertilizer should not be used for continuous feeding of plants.

Remember!

An important and basic rule when using ammonia solution is that it is applied only after the flowers have been thoroughly watered.

This law applies to both preventative measures and plant treatments or insect control. Attempting to use fertilizer as a watering material can damage the roots, causing burns, which can subsequently lead to the death of the plants.

Foliar spraying

When using an ammonia mixture, avoid allowing it to come into contact with the leaves of houseplants, as it can cause burns. If this does happen, rinse the plants with running water from the spray bottle to remove any remaining ammonia.

Important!

Ammonium is quite volatile, so it is not recommended to use small sprayers when caring for your green pets.

Pest control

To prevent pests, you can water the base of the plant with a universal solution of ammonia and water immediately after planting; this procedure will additionally disinfect the soil.

Typically, one or two such treatments are sufficient to get rid of insects. If necessary, repeat watering until the flowers are completely healthy. However, do not apply the treatment more than once a week or increase the ammonia concentration in the water, as this can destroy the ornamental foliage.

Root feeding

The most common use of ammonia solution is as a flower fertilizer. Root watering is ideal for indoor plants. It's best used during the active growth period from March to September. During this time, fertilizing once or twice a month is sufficient, unless they show signs of nitrogen deficiency.

Please note!

This type of feeding should not be used during the dormant period, for example, for orchids that have shed their leaves. It's best to use a watering can and apply the liquid directly to the roots.

Safety when using ammonia

Ammonia solution is toxic even at a low concentration of 10%, so it is very important to follow safety rules when working with the substance to protect yourself and your plants from the damage it can cause.

For the plant

When working with flowers, it's crucial to avoid using excessive amounts of ammonia, which can harm the flowers by degrading the soil. Calculate the correct amount of concentrate for watering, avoiding contact with foliage.

It's important to adhere to the recommended fertilizing schedule, as shortening the interval between waterings will not benefit the flowers and will likely lead to root rot. Ammonium hydroxide solution should not be used simultaneously with other nitrogen fertilizers.

For a person

Ammonia vapors can seriously harm human health and cause poisoning or allergic reactions, so it is important to follow these rules when working with the substance:

Be sure to use latex gloves, an apron, goggles, and a respirator;
check the integrity of the containers in which the substance is diluted;
prepare fertilizer only in well-ventilated areas so that the typical smell quickly disappears;
wash the containers that were used in the process of creating the mixture under running water;
Do not use the substance if you are allergic to it;
Avoid contact of children and animals with the solution.

These rules should not be ignored even if you need to prepare a small amount of liquid for irrigation, which, when in contact with the skin, causes burns, as well as disruption of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of nitrogen deficiency in houseplants?

Over time, nitrogen, which is so essential for flowers to grow properly, is washed out of the soil. The following signs indicate a deficiency:

brittle flower stems;
too light and yellowish leaves;
absence of ovary;
short-term flowering or its absence.

Having noticed such conditions, you should pay attention to nitrogen fertilizers and apply them.

Can ammonia accumulate in plants?

If you overuse fertilizer, ammonia can accumulate in the roots in the form of nitrates and cause fungus and flower wilting.

How many times a month should you fertilize with ammonia solution?

If the flower does not show signs of nitrogen deficiency, then it is enough to fertilize it once a month in the spring and autumn, but you can skip it during the winter months.

What plants are fertilized with ammonia?

The range of plants that this fertilizer is suitable for is quite wide; it can be used for garden and indoor flowers, seedlings, vegetables, and even bushes.

Ammonia solution is a versatile remedy that helps replenish nitrogen deficiency in houseplants and also helps prevent disease. However, this solution should not be relied upon as the only option for improving the condition of flowers, as in some cases it can be harmful to plants and humans if not used properly.