Can Urea Be Used in Indoor Plants?
Urea is either synthesized or gathered from urine. It is often used in fertilizers for lawns, other outdoor plants and houseplants because of its high nitrogen content. It is widely used because it is easy to make, it's soluble and its cost is low. Some people have learned to use their own urine to fertilize certain plants. Human urine contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in higher quantities than most commercial fertilizers. In general, urea is safe for the environment and synthetic urea is found in many fertilizers. But what about using human urine on indoor plants? Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Urea was first synthesized in 1828 by Friedrich Wohler, a German chemist. In his attempt to make ammonium cyanate from silver cyanide and ammonium chloride, urea accidentally happened. Wohler wrote, "I can make urea without the use of kidneys, either man or dog. Ammonium cyanate is urea." Since that time, synthetic urea has become a standard component in many commercial fertilizers, including some that are used for houseplants. Today, urea is an important chemical used in many industries, and is even used to add flavor to cigarettes.
Components
-
Urea contains carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. When combined with phosphorus, urea makes urea phosphate, needed by plants for flower and fruit production. It also has antifungal properties.
-
Houseplants
-
Combining urea, which is a common form of nitrogen, with formaldehyde produces several kinds of fertilizers. Urea formaldehyde-based fertilizers are a component of many lawn and garden fertilizers, such as Jobe's Plant Food Spikes and Miracle Gro, which is 46 percent urea. Urea-based fertilizers are called urea formaldehyde or methylene urea fertilizers. Some types of this fertilizer are specially formulated for use on indoor plants. Commercial fertilizers containing urea do not smell like urine, so most people prefer to use them instead of their own urine.
Making Urea Fertilizer
-
You can make your own plant fertilizer by collecting your urine. When you have 1 gallon saved up, add 1 tsp. of baking soda, which neutralizes the acid. It's best to use it on lawns or outdoor plants. Whether you choose to use it on your houseplants is a matter of personal preference. Use urine within 24 hours because it will turn into ammonia, which can burn plants.
Advantages
-
You can save money on both your water bill and on the fertilizer you buy to keep your plants green and healthy by collecting your own urine and mixing it with baking soda to fertilize your plants. Human urine provides nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and, if you use it properly, it can help grow a year's supply of certain crops, such as wheat, for one person. Some studies have shown that human urine can prove more effective than fertilizers made from animal manure.
-
