Eggshells have long been used as plant fertilisers by gardeners and house plant lovers. Agriculturally speaking and for house plants in particular, it has proved beneficial beyond any doubt. More and more people are getting into the habit of eating eggshells, which contain beneficial nutrients.
Does eggshell work well with houseplants? Yes, they are. House plants benefit greatly from regular eggshell use due to their high minerals and nutrients. Eggshells contain 94% calcium, which helps maintain chemical balance in the soil, improving water penetration and reducing soil salinity. The remaining bodies are composed of magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, and organic protein.
In other words, you should be aware that the process of making eggshell fertilizer is somewhat labor-intensive (although certainly worth the effort). Let’s check out further the advantages of such compost as well as how to make it.
Benefit of Eggshell
A good way of adding calcium to the soil is by using eggshells in potted plants. The calcium carbonate found in eggshells can provide your indoor plants with the calcium they need. Although you should not just add the eggshell directly to the soil, you should also prepare the eggshells in a way that calcium is readily available for absorption by the roots.
You may see chlorotic leaves, gelatinous leaf tips, and slowed meristem growth, which are the first signs of calcium deficiency in young leaves and new plant growth. Alabama Cooperative Extension System also advises that calcium deficiency can cause the roots to rot and turn black. Too much of this nutrient can ultimately kill the plant.
Nutrients for Indoor Plants
In addition to nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and oxygen, calcium is a crucial nutrient for all plants.
Plants use calcium to strengthen the cell walls of new cells so that they can grow, so it is a necessary component in the formation of new cells. A strong cell membrane and strong wall are ensured by calcium. Furthermore, calcium is essential for root expansion and aids in pollen tube expansion.
It is taken up by the roots of plants and then used by their cells when they absorb calcium from the soil. Plants become calcium deficient if the soil contains insufficient calcium, and the air may also interfere with the ability of the plants to take in calcium. According to the University of Maryland Extension, the soil may be too acidic if too much potassium or magnesium is present.
How To Make Eggshell Fertiliser For Houseplant
Preparation:
Houseplants can benefit from having fertilisers made with chicken eggshell that is affordable. For this purpose, however, you will need a lot of eggs. Therefore, if your family does not consume a lot of eggs regularly, then you should begin collecting them at the beginning of winter.
Begin by carefully washing the egg. In the first stage, the shell will need to be cleaned separately. Next, the shell will need to be dried well. And only then it will be possible to grind. The powder is quite hard and the pieces are sharp. Using anything from a hammer and meat grinder to modern grinders will bring it to a powder state.
It is important to remember to use the eggshell only from raw eggs. Because when you cook the eggs, the shells lose all their nutritional benefits. The only rule for collecting eggshells is to place them in a spacious paper box after you crack the egg and allow the shell to dry. For the protein film to fully dry (usually it takes 3 to 5 days), you must choose a warm, dry place where it will not deteriorate. After the eggshell is dried completely, you should pack it in a paper bag. Do not use plastic bags to protect the shell from moisture. Store raw materials in a dry place.
How to Make Compost:
- The eggshell-water solution can be applied to the roots of the plants after three days. Blend the mixture until smooth.
- An egg shell can also be used for this purpose. It is crushed to leave a 3 cm layer on the bottom of your flower pot so water won’t stagnate.
- The acidity of the soil can be reduced by using 50 crushed and baked egg shells. Calcination frees calcium.
How to Apply the Eggplant to the Soil
To give your houseplants the best possible care, use a glass dish filled with 100 grams of crushed shells, as well as warm water, and set it out for two days. Fertilize flowers two times a month with fertilizer. Apply eggshell powder with mineral fertilizers. Use the third part of an eggshell in each flowerpot as fertilizer. These eggshells should be placed in a glass jar with warm water and will release beneficial substances within a week. Furthermore, the contents may be refilled with water and applied again. This fertilizer will not be as concentrated as the outdoor version, but it will still be ideal for indoor plants. In addition to this, the looser soil becomes after such amendments, the roots have better access to oxygen.
Also, you can use eggshells to hold seedlings. Just make holes in the top and bottom of the egg to let the liquid escape. This is a splendid planter, in which you can place seeds or sprouts. The soil will absorb useful substances. When it’s time to plant seedlings, you need to slightly press the shell with your fingers until it cracks.
Are Snake Plant Suitable For It?
Topdressing the soil with eggshells is beneficial to all domestic plants. Florists prefer to use this type of fertiliser to form a “drainage pillow” in a pot, to evenly distribute nutrients, and to fully water in the above-listed elements.
Which Houseplants Need Fertilization?
- Succulents
- Green perennials
- Flowering annuals
Quail Eggshells for Houseplant
The eggshell of quail eggs can also be used to make fertilisers. The calcium content of quail eggs is up to 95%, a little higher than that of regular (chicken) eggs. Acidification will free calcium to the solution after 50 shells of quail eggs have been crushed. Keep it 3 days, stirring occasionally. Drink water from the roots of houseplants.
Additional Notes
In general, if there is a choice, domestic chicken eggs are better as a fertilizer for plants and flowers. In addition, chickens from such diets are more likely to produce eggs that contain beneficial substances, because their eggshell tends to be thicker and thus contain more micro elements. On the other hand, there is an opinion that the shell of a brown egg is thicker than a white egg. Chicken and quail eggshell fertilisers are very useful in maintaining a sufficient amount of necessary elements in the soil mix of indoor plants, while preventing excess moisture and balancing the pH of the soil in the pot. Eggshells reduce soil acidity, and that’s one of the biggest advantages. This is very beneficial to the development of plants and flowers. So eggshells are good for houseplants? Of course, yes. The reasons for using it are many, as can be seen from the list above. You’ll be able to get healthy, beautiful plants with these tips.
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