Fertilizing Desert Plants

Native desert plants don't require very much when it comes to fertilizer. This is because they have adapted over many years to the soils and will do just fine with what is naturally available. However, there are times when a deficiency of nutrients do require a supplement.

When you purchase a fertilizer for your desert landscape, take a look at the label. There are always 3 numbers on the package. These numbers tell you how much of each nutrient is in the fertilizer. They can be as low as 2-1-1 or as high as 15-30-15. The first number is the Nitrogen ratio, the second is the phosphorus ratio and the third number is the potassium ratio. These three are called macronutrients. They are listed in percentages. For native desert plants you'll want to choose a fertilizer with low numbers. A great choice is fish emulsion and that number runs something like 5-2-2.

In alkaline soil such as what's in the desert, iron gets trapped in the soil and cannot be utilized by the desert plants. A good indication of an iron deficiency is the yellowing leaves. If the leaves of your plant are yellow but the veins within the leaves still appear green, the plant is likely suffering from iron chlorosis. Iron chelates will fix this issue and are available at any garden center.

If you insist on fertilizing your desert landscape you can do so right after the leaves have emerged on deciduous plants. Apply sparingly, as applying too much fertilizer will burn and stunt or even kill your desert plant.

Do not fertilize new plants until they've been in the ground for several months. Liquid seaweed is your best choice as it has very low numbers and is ideal for young plants.