Fertilizer sticks are easy to use and promise sustainable and safe fertilization. We take a close look at what promises they keep.
The gardener's life can be so simple: put in the chopsticks, add water, done. One could summarize the advertising of fertilizer sticks by the manufacturers like this or something similar. But you should already know that the little things are not superior to every alternative and that there are a few small things to consider. Below we explain how fertilizer sticks work and show you how to use the products that are right for you. We present fertilizer sticks for indoor plants, green plants, tomatoes and vegetables. And last but not least, you will find some important information about the use of combi sticks.
How do fertilizer sticks work?
Fertilizer sticks are available in mineral and organic varieties. The mineral variant is the most common. If fertilizer sticks are not explicitly advertised with the addition "organic", one can assume that nutrients are contained in mineral form. Organic-mineral products also exist as an effective combination of the good properties of mineral and organic fertilizers. If you want to read more about the raw materials used in fertilisers, take a look at our article on complete fertilisers, NPK fertilizers and universal fertilisers.
Mineral fertilizer sticks
Mineral fertilizer sticks are solid mineral fertilizers that release nutrients only gradually and over a defined period of time. To ensure this slow release, fertilizer sticks always contain some additives that give them these special properties. The release depends on the soil moisture and the plant's hunger for nutrients, but in general a storage effect of about three months can be assumed.
Organic Fertilizer Sticks
In contrast to mineral fertilizer sticks, organic fertilizer sticks are made of natural materials that ensure a slow release of nutrients in the most original way: if a plant's proximity element is bound in organic structures, it takes a certain amount of timeTime until it becomes free and can be taken up again by plants. The "packaging" is softened by the surrounding water and broken down, converted and utilized by microorganisms. The nutrients themselves can also pass through the metabolism of soil-dwelling organisms.
At the end of a series of events in your flower pot, there is the nutrient that the plant can use, for example to use it again to build cell structures. Organic fertilizer sticks are also composed in such a way that they release the nutrients they contain over a period of about three months.
Tip: Nutrients can only reach the plant roots and be absorbed with the help of soil water, dissolved in the so-called soil solution. Microorganisms, chemical reactions and transformations also require an aqueous environment. The effect of a fertilizer stick can only unfold if there is enough water available.
Comparison of fertilizer sticks: advantages and disadvantages
But how do fertilizer sticks differ from other alternatives in terms of application and effect? We have compiled an overview for you in the table below. If you would also like to learn more about liquid fertilizers, you can find more on the subject here. For more information about the benefits of organic slow-release fertilizers, you can check out our Plantura organic fertilizers here.
Tip: The vegetation phase describes the time of year in which plants grow at all or most strongly. Native plants show very clearly when their vegetation phase is by the shedding of leaves and the new shoots in spring.
| LONG-TERM/ DEPOT FERTILIZER | FERTILIZER STICKS | LIQUID FERTILIZER | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREQUENCY OF APPLICATION DURING THE VEGETATION PHASE | Once | Every two to three months | Depending on the plant: two to four times a month |
| WAY OF APPLICATION | Add to potting soil when transplanting. Otherwise sprinkle on, work in carefully if possible, cover with soil and moisten | Put fertilizer sticks in the soil at a sufficient distance from the plant. Always keep pot moist | Mix liquid fertilizer with water and pour |
| EFFORT | One time high, then low | Low | Medium |
| SECURITY | Depending on the type of fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is very safe. Mineral fertilizer can easily be overdosed. Overdose tends to show up in the long term | Depending on the type of fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is very safe. Mineral fertilizers can easily be overdosed. Overdosing tends to show up in the long term | Overdose possible for inexperienced users. In case of overdose, severe plant damage can be expected very soon |
| EFFECT | Consistent release of nutrients according to manufacturers, but may vary with temperature, humidity and composition | Consistent release of nutrients according to manufacturers, but may vary with temperature, humidity and composition | Nutrients are available immediately but don't last long |
| COST | Depending on the product, between 5 and 7 euros for a kilogram | Depending on the product between 6 and 20 euros for 100 sticks | Depending on the product between 4 and 10 euros for a liter |
| NOTE | The plant roots must not be injured during incorporation | Keep potting soil constantly moist, otherwise plant damage may occur | Very fast effectiveness; can also be used as foliar fertilizer |
Summary: Advantages and Disadvantages of Fertilizer Sticks
- Using fertilizer sticks requires little effort and only needs to be done two or three times during the growing season
- It is very important that stick-fed pots are watered very regularly
- Overdoses and plant damage are possible, but can be avoided with correct use
Application of fertilizer sticks
For which fertilizers are fertilizer sticks suitable? Garden owners may well think that it would be pointless to provide every perennial in the border with two fertilizer sticks every three months. Fertilizer sticks are particularly suitable for fertilizing small to medium-sized potted plants. These can be supplied in a way that is gentle on the plants (compared to the incorporation of classic depot fertilizers) and without much effort (compared to liquid fertilizers).
The application itself is simple: Depending on the recommended dosage, the correct number of sticks are pressed into the potting soil in the root area of the potted plant. Make sure they are really in the root zone so the nutrients can be absorbed as efficiently as possible. If the penetration resistance isn't great, but you can feel it, you've found the right spot.
The pot is then watered and should be kept constantly moist from now on. Fertilizer sticks are only used during the vegetation period, when plants actually need the nutrients they contain. The manufacturers recommend an application from April to September. What is meant is that the effect of the last stick should be used up by the end of September.
Tip: Some users report that their plants suffered damage when the soil got a little too dry. As a result, the concentration of nutrients in the remaining liquid rose sharply and so-called "s alt damage" occurred.
Selecting the right fertilizer stick is also important: Plants cultivated in pots can have completely different demands on their nutrient supply. Not only the amount, but also the weighting of the individual nutrients can differ. In the next section we will introduce you to the common variants.
Summary: Application of Fertilizer Sticks
- Application between April and September
- Selecting the right fertilizer stick
- Use the appropriate number of sticks according to the dosage recommendation
- Press sticks into the potting soil, then water
- Water the pot regularly so that the potting soil is constantly moist
Fertilizer sticks for various plants
In the following we have summarized the most important information for different plant types with regard to the suitability and use of fertilizer sticks.
Fertilizer sticks for indoor plants
In this case, flowering indoor plants are meant. Because of the huge range in this category, fertilizer sticks for indoor plants are usually balanced and not overdosed. This also applies to orchid fertilizer sticks. If you keep a sensitive exotic as a houseplant, you should definitely find out about its special needs in advance. In the end, it's not what's on the packaging of the fertilizer sticks that matters, but what nutrients are in it.
Summary: Indoor Plant Fertilizer Sticks
- Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are usually balanced
- Similar to orchid sticks
- It must be between green indoor plants andflowering plants are distinguished
Fertilizer Sticks for Green Plants
Fertilizer sticks for green plants often have an increased nitrogen content, which ensures green foliage and vigorous leaf formation. Magnesium and iron are also often included. Magnesium is an important component of the green plant pigment chlorophyll, so it is also important for green foliage. Iron is said to counteract the yellowing of the leaves in iron deficiency, which manifests itself in the form of the "Christmas tree effect". Iron deficiency is common in tropical foliage plants that, due to their origin, are used to soils that make it easy for them to access iron.
Summary: Green Plant Fertilizer Sticks
- Nitrogen, magnesium and iron are prominent ingredients
- Nitrogen is said to enhance growth and, together with magnesium and iron, ensures he althy, green foliage
Tomato Fertilizer Sticks
Fertiliser sticks for tomatoes and vegetables are usually quite balanced or high in potassium. An increased potassium content can contribute to improving the water balance, stability and frost resistance (in winter vegetables). Because the fertilized vegetables are consumed later, the fertilizer sticks are often organic. This should give you, the user, a good feeling. However, the nutrients are not chemically different from those in mineral fertilizer sticks for vegetables. Of course, organic fertilizer will still benefit your plants and the soil because it has soil-improving properties. This supports the activity of important soil organisms and improves root penetration.
Summary: Tomato Fertilizer Sticks
- Tomato and vegetable fertilizer sticks are balanced or high in potassium
- Potassium ensures that the plant is tolerant to drought stress and frost, and it also stabilizes the cell walls and thus the whole plant
- The use of organic fertilizers does not have a strong effect on the parts of the plant that are later consumed, but is beneficial to the soil and the he alth of the plant
Fertilizer sticks with pest control: Combi sticks against lice and Co.
Combi sticks are intended to combine the effect of a practical fertilizer with the simple application of plant protection products. The chopsticks are used as described above. However, you should avoid skin contact, which is common throughattached application aids can be solved. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use when using combi sticks.
In addition to nutrients and additives, the sticks also contain insecticides. These are pesticides that can be used to control insects. Sticks containing fungicides - ie pesticides that act against fungal diseases - or acaricides - pesticides that act against mites - are not yet available. The insecticides are continuously absorbed by the plant via the roots and distributed throughout the plant body. This mode of action is called "systemic". It has the advantage that newly grown parts of the plant are also protected immediately, because the agent is transported everywhere via the plant's pathways.
Some combi sticks contain the insecticide dimethoate. This substance is already effective when insects touch it: it is a so-called contact insecticide. Dimethoate inhibits an enzyme that ensures the functioning of the nervous system, so it is a neurotoxin. It is not only poisonous for insects and aquatic life, but also for all mammals - and therefore also for humans. Accordingly, the safety data sheet of such combi sticks contains many tips for safe handling. For example, it is advised that the chopsticks should be kept out of the reach of children and kept out of waterways and sewers.
Dimethoate is dangerous for bees. However, if you use the sticks as instructed, it is classified as "not harmful to bees" (B3). Of course, it should also be noted that a plant treated with the insecticide must not be eaten without further ado.
Another common active ingredient in insecticidal fertilizer sticks is acetamiprid, which is one of the neonicotinoids. It must be taken orally to be effective. Even small doses are toxic to humans. Under no circumstances should you eat plants that have been treated with these sticks. In order not to endanger yourself or the environment, you should follow the instructions in the safety data sheet for the sticks. Acetamiprid is classified as B3 in bee protection, which means that it does not endanger bees. However, this only applies as long as it is used correctly.
Please note: Even if combi sticks are very easy to use and the manufacturers advertise that you can reliably protect your plants from pests: they are dangerousPreparations whose improper handling can endanger both people and nature. So only use the chopsticks when absolutely necessary.
Using products that contain the same active ingredient too frequently leads to the development of resistance on the part of the harmful insects anyway. The effect of the drug would soon wear off with constant use. If you're open to effective alternatives for controlling insect pests, you might also be interested in this roundup of effective home remedies for aphids.
Summary: Combi Sticks
- Combi sticks contain the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in combination with insecticides
- Before using these preparations, you should inform yourself carefully so as not to harm living beings or the environment
- Repeated use of preparations with the same active ingredient leads to reduced effectiveness
You can achieve a safe and harmless supply for your plants with organic long-term fertilizers such as our Plantura organic fertilizers. If you want to learn more about sustainable fertilizers, we have summarized everything you need to know here.