Iorn Chelate how often?

[davidwood]

I have just received my Iron and have put in the soil as instructed. I am unsure has to how often i must repeat this or is it just the one time.

[Charlie]

Iron takes about 2 weeks to start to show results in greener leaves. If 3 weeks passes and you don't get a result try reapplying it. Also it works faster if you mix it with water and then pour the water and iron into the pot or into the root zone if the plants are in the ground. It works fastest if applied as a leaf spray but the effect is temporary so it is best to do both, spray the leaves (or just pour the mixture over the leaves when you soak the soil) and drench the root zone.

Iron is one of the minerals (along with magnesium) that will leach out of the soil during heavy rains so it is often applied after the rainy season or after a prolonged stormy period.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Charlie do you recommend the iron chelate and magnesium to use as a supplement if the plants are potted and already getting your fertilizer, or is it not necessary? 

[Charlie]

Jordan, the leaf color is a good indicator of whether they need it. If the leaves are a nice green color there is probably no need. Both are in the HVH fertilizer although not in amounts that will correct a serious deficiency quickly. In that case I would definitely use chelated iron and magnesium. Some people use them once a month or so just to be sure they are in sufficient supply. Both are involved in the making of chlorophyl which provides the photosynthesis the plants need.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

With all the talk about iron chelate and Mg lately I am thinking of purchasing some.  In hindsight, all the plant washing I did last year caused a great deal of chlorosis, and I probably could have corrected the problem had I had supplements on hand.  I am thinking I will add iron and magnesium monthly after seeing David's plants and after my own experience.  Is it possible to "o.d." a plant on these?  Trying not to do anything stupid!

[Charlie]

Iron and magnesium are 2 of the safest nutrients we give hibiscus. If you did overdo it with iron (not easy to do) the leaves would turn dark greenish/bronze but new growth would soon come in that would be normal. Magnesium is so water soluble that it tends to wash out of the pot before too much can be absorbed.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Oh, good.  Thanks, Charlie!  Now I won't worry so much about adding them.  Any time I make a change to my plant care routine it scares me.   

[davidwood]

The Iron Chelate is one of the best discoveries i have made since i started gardening, not only has it made a huge difference in the greenery of the leaves its also giving me a bit of fun. Let me explain, here in Vietnam its very very hot,and people here take as much pride in a lush green plant as they do a nice bloom, in fact probably more,so when my Viet friends are admiring the garden they think i am extremely clever to be able to get such green leaves ha ha. David.

[blupit007]

Charlie, I got this Ironite Plus at the local store.  I asked the man if it is just iron, he said yes.  But it has the three numbers on it.  Should it?  It says 7-6-6.  Is this the wrong stuff?  Should I just buy what you offer?

[Doll]

The 3 numbers represent Nitrogen (N) - Phosphorus (P) - Potassium (K)
Ironite Plus is fertilizer and trace elements. The regular Ironite is just the trace elements. I use the regular Ironite on my hibiscus planted in the ground. Works quite well if watered in good. I try to use it right before a big rain storm like we've had here for the last 2 days. I have never used it on potted plants.

[blupit007]

I mixed it in with my regular recipe of HVH Fert, Boost, & Super Nova.  Is that bad?  Should I rinse it all out of the pots?

[Doll]

Ironite is not a water soluble fertilizer. It is used as a top dressing or mixed into the soil. If you didn't use very much I don't think you will burn your plants. You really shouldn't need to use ironite if you are using the HVH fertilizer. From your pics the leaves on your plants always have a nice dark green color to them.

[blupit007]

Oh man, what did I do....  Thanks, the bottle says to use 1/2 capfull per gallon of water.  I have a 2 gallon can and I put 3/4 capfull in it.  It says it can be used with every watering, so it might be OK. 

BTW, how is the weather in TX??  You must be safe because you are talking to me. 

Thanks for the help
~Kristen

[Doll]

I just checked and I see that they have it in a liquid form which is meant to be mixed with water. So you should be ok. I still don't think your plants really need it though.

The tropical storm only dumped  some rain in Houston. About 3 inches where I live. San Antonio and Austin are getting it much worse. They will probably end up with close to a foot of rain! I really needed that rain so I'm happy.

[blupit007]

Well I'm glad you are ok!  Thanks for the advise too!  I was thinking that I would use it once a month along with the epsom salts.  They have been turning a bit yellowish, so that is why I tried it.  And this time it is not mites!  So that is why I went with some iron.  I think I rather use what Charlie & Cindy has though.