The Baltic blue pothos also known as Epipremnum aureum ‘Baltic Blue,’ is a popular houseplant beloved for its cascading vines and stunning blue-green foliage. Though easy to care for proper fertilization is key to keeping your Baltic blue healthy and thriving. Knowing when and how much to feed your plant can make all the difference.
In this article we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of fertilizing your Baltic blue pothos to help you provide optimal nutrition throughout the year.
When to Fertilize Your Baltic Blue
Fertilizing on a regular schedule is important for robust growth and vivid coloration.
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Spring and Summer – Feed your Baltic blue monthly during the active growing season from early spring through summer. More frequent fertilization encourages new growth and healthier foliage.
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Fall and Winter – Baltic blue plants enter a dormant period in fall and winter. Refrain from fertilizing at this time, typically from late fall to winter. Fertilizer can damage dormant plants.
Stick to this seasonal schedule to maximize the benefits of fertilizer when your plant needs it most and avoid harming it when fertilizer isn’t necessary.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use
Choose a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide an even mixture of essential nutrients. Look for a formula marked 10-10-10, 12-12-12 or 20-20-20 on the packaging.
Liquid fertilizers are fast-absorbing and easy for the plant to utilize. Slow-release pellets and spikes can burn the roots of pothos plants.
Organic or chemical fertilizers both work well, so choose whichever you prefer.
How to Dilute Fertilizer
Always dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength before applying it to your Baltic blue. Using it straight from the bottle can harm the plant.
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, but here is a simple dilution method:
- Fill a watering can with 1 gallon of room temperature water
- Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose fertilizer
- Stir to evenly distribute the fertilizer
- Water your Baltic blue with the diluted mixture as usual
Diluting to half strength provides all the nutrients the plant needs without risk of fertilizer burn.
How Much and How Often to Fertilize
During the growing season, feed your Baltic blue monthly. Any more than that is unnecessary and can build up excess salts.
When it’s time to fertilize, water your plant thoroughly with the diluted fertilizer until it drains freely from the pot. This ensures nutrients penetrate deep into the soil where the roots can absorb them.
One monthly feeding is sufficient for healthy growth. There’s no need to fertilize more than this.
Fertilizing Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips to get the most out of fertilizing your Baltic blue:
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Always water with plain water a day or two before fertilizing. This prevents fertilizer salt buildup.
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If using a timed-release fertilizer, apply only every other month to avoid over-fertilization.
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Occasionally leach the soil by watering heavily with plain water. This washes away any built-up salts.
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Supplement with compost tea or worm casting tea between monthly feedings for an extra nutrient boost.
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Check the soil pH periodically and amend if needed. A pH between 6 and 7 is ideal.
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Wipe fertilizer off the leaves after watering to prevent leaf burn.
What to Avoid When Fertilizing
Some common fertilizing mistakes can damage your Baltic blue. Be sure to avoid:
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Fertilizing in fall and winter during dormancy
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Using full-strength fertilizer without diluting
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Fertilizing more than once per month
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Letting fertilizer remain on the foliage
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Failing to periodically leach the soil of salt buildup
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Allowing the soil pH to drop too low
Signs Your Baltic Blue Needs More Fertilizer
Monitor your plant between fertilizations for any of these signs that it could use more nutrients:
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Slow or stunted growth
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Pale, washed-out leaf color
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Smaller than normal leaves
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Thin, scraggly vines
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Leaf tip browning or yellowing
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Few or no new leaves
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General lackluster appearance
If you notice any of these issues, increase fertilizing to twice per month until the plant regains its vibrancy.
What to Do if You Over-Fertilize
The key is to act quickly if you suspect over-fertilization:
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Flush the soil immediately by heavily watering with plain water to wash out excess salts.
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Avoid fertilizing for at least 2-3 months to allow the plant to recover.
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Repot in fresh, fertile soil if the current mix is heavily saturated.
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Remove any damaged roots or leaves to encourage new growth.
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Move the plant to a shaded spot until it rebounds. Direct sun scorches distressed plants.
With quick action, an over-fertilized Baltic blue can make a full recovery. Ease up on fertilizer and give it some time to bounce back.
Keep Your Baltic Blue Thriving
Now you’re armed with the knowledge to keep your Baltic blue pothos lush and beautiful for years to come. Follow the schedule, fertilize monthly at half strength during the growing season, and avoid common mistakes. A little regular feeding goes a long way with this easygoing houseplant. Diligent fertilizing will reward you with a showstopper Baltic blue that adds bold blue-green style to any indoor space.
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How to fertilize Baltic Blue Pothos
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Baltic Blue Pothos after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Baltic Blue Pothos prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Baltic Blue Pothos can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Baltic Blue Pothos doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Baltic Blue Pothos does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Baltic Blue Pothos should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Baltic Blue Pothos to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Baltic Blue Pothos is native to tropical China through Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
About Baltic Blue Pothos
The genus name Epipremnum comes from the Greek roots meaning upon and stump, since these plants are expert tree climbers! All parts of them are toxic, so be sure to keep them away from furry friends and small children.
Baltic Blue Care Guide
FAQ
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