What is NPK?
It’s always important to feed your plants, and when looking for a new fertilizer it can be difficult to decide what’s right for your grow. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the right fertilizer to get your plants in tip-top shape!
First, you’ll want to know what NPK means.
On every bag of fertilizer, you can find three numbers prominently displayed on the label. These numbers represent the three major macronutrients that all plants need to grow: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These numbers show up in order, N-P-K, and the number values indicate the ratio of each one in the mix.
So, what do these three incredible nutrients do for your plants? Let’s take a look!
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is an element that plants need to grow and produce chlorophyll, which is responsible for the plant’s green color. Nitrogen is one of the most critical nutrients for a plant when it is newly established because it helps the plant to grow everything green: new leaves, stalks, stems, and a robust canopy! Green is good!
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is vital for photosynthesis, aiding in the early growth of young plants and even stimulating root development. Phosphorus also increases resistance to common plant diseases! Because it does so much, this element is needed throughout the grow cycle from seed to harvest, although plants tend to uptake more when they’re getting ready to flower. Make sure you have enough phosphorus handy and bust out those big blooms!
Potassium
Potassium is another incredibly vital element for plant growth, aiding in the transport of water, carbs, and sugars throughout the plant body. Potassium improves drought tolerance, aids in food production for the plant, and is essential for the successful ripening of fruits and flowers. Without potassium, your plants will be all sad and wilty, and we don’t want that!
By the Numbers
Now that you know how critical these nutrients are for a plant’s wellbeing, you need to pick a fertilizer that has what your plant needs. If you’re starting a new crop, a vegetative state fertilizer like Geoflora VEG or Roots Organics Buddha Grow are excellent choices; they contain diverse nitrogen sources and are formulated specifically for the growth of strong stalks, stems, and leaves. And what about when it’s time to transition to the flowering phase? Geoflora BLOOM and Roots Organics Buddha Bloom have you covered with a higher concentration of phosphorus and potassium for larger buds and an abundant harvest. You know, the wow factor!
If you’re looking for something a bit more particular, like a bloom booster or calmag supplement, check out our nutrients page for our full range of products, and don’t be afraid to ask us for help in choosing the right plant food for you!
