New Delhi, January 20 (IANS). Such posts are often seen on social media, in which various home remedies are suggested for the good health of plants. One such solution is regarding alum, in which it is said that by adding alum water, plants grow faster and 200 flowers start appearing in the pots instead of 100. But is it really so miraculous?
Actually, alum is not a super-food or fertilizer, rather it is a remedy that maintains the correct pH of the soil and removes germs. Using it in the right quantity on the right plants is beneficial, but using it in excess or in the wrong way can harm the plant.
Alum makes the soil slightly acidic. It is great for some plants, such as roses, hibiscus, blue aparajita, hydrangea, citrus and berries. When the pH of the soil is right, these plants produce flowers faster, more buds appear and the leaves look shiny. Apart from this, alum also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. This means there is less root rot, fewer germs and the soil remains light and clean.
Along with this, alum also increases the strength of the roots and their ability to hold moisture. This keeps the plant healthy and flowers and fruits increase automatically. This is why people say that by adding alum the flowers doubled.
But keep in mind, alum is not a fertilizer with NPK. Therefore, adding too much of it can burn the plant and also lead to nutritional deficiency. Always add it with manure or vermicompost.
The easy way to make alum water is to add about 2 grams of alum in 1 liter of water, soak it overnight and pour it into the plants the next day. Use it once every 20–25 days. If you want to spray, then add 1 gram of alum in 1 liter of water and spray it lightly on the leaves and soil, only once a month. But never add alum water to money plant, snake plant, pothos, aloe vera and succulents as it can harm these plants.
–IANS
PIM/AS
