What Does Each Main Ingredient in Fertilizer Do to Plants?

Fertilizer ingredients can improve the appearance and strength of all parts of a plant.

Synthetic fertilizers contain chemical ingredients that improve plant growth and boost flower or fruit production. While most fertilizers contain the same basic ingredients, formulations will vary depending on the plant the product was designed to feed.

Breakdown

Fertilizer packages use a series of three numbers to identify the percentage of each main ingredient, always in the order nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium; a 5-10-10 fertilizer contains 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus and 10 percent potassium.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is important for stem growth and green, healthy leaves; too little nitrogen can result in yellowed plants and stunted growth.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is required for photosynthesis and helps the plant develop a strong root system as well as healthy flowers and fruit. Insufficient levels of phosphorus can reduce flower production or slow the plant's growth.

Potassium

Potassium helps regulate water levels inside plants and affects the size and color of flowers. Without enough potassium plant leaves may curl, develop spots or take on a burned look.

Other Nutrients

Fertilizers may also contain smaller amounts of calcium, magnesium and sulfur which the plant uses to make chlorophyll, grow cells and regulate enzyme function, according to First Rays.

References

• First Rays
• The Fertilizer Institute
• The Garden Helper