Planting plants can beautify the environment and enhance mood, which is beneficial for health. However, taking care of them requires time and effort. If the plants you have are struggling, you may consider using rusty nails to help revive them. This may seem unconventional, but it could potentially be successful, so it’s worth a try.
According to Balcony Garden Web, the red rust on nails, also known as iron oxide, is formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of moisture (water) in the air. It can provide iron elements to plants, which is beneficial for their growth.
Plants require a small amount of iron to maintain their health. When plants lack iron, they may show signs of poor growth or development, pale or yellowing leaves, and leaf drop.
This is because iron, an essential element, is involved in the formation of plant chlorophyll, helps plants extract energy from sunlight, and is crucial for the formation of enzymes and proteins. It also participates in the transfer of electrons during photosynthesis and respiration processes.
If the soil has high lime content or is alkaline, plants may suffer from iron deficiency. In situations where there are not many plants or the ratio is low, you can use iron fertilizer or rusty nails to address this issue.
Rusty nails contain iron, a crucial element for various physiological and biochemical activities of plants. It is also an important component of essential enzymes like cytochromes and contributes to chlorophyll synthesis.
By using the iron oxide in nails to supplement iron for plants, it can improve the structure and function of chloroplasts, making plants greener, healthier, and more vibrant.
Additionally, rusty nails slightly increase the soil’s acidity, which can benefit acid-loving plants. While this method may not give you blue hydrangeas, it is definitely suitable for small potted plants. Similarly, gardenias, azaleas, camellias, and many other plants can also benefit from it.
When using rusty nails, you have two main methods to choose from:
(1) Soak several rusty nails in water for 4 to 5 days. Once the water turns brown with iron rust, use this water to water the plants or spray it on their leaves as usual.
(2) Insert 8 to 10 rusty nails in the soil around the plant in the pot. The iron rust on the nails will act when you water the plants.
It’s important to note that rusty nails are most suitable for small indoor or outdoor potted plants, but for trees and shrubs, it may not be as practical.
Apart from iron, rusty nails may also contain other elements or impurities that could harm plants. Therefore, when trying this method, pay attention to the following points:
– Use nails from a known source
If possible, only use rusty nails from trusted sources, such as your garden or places with minimal exposure to pollutants.
– Avoid using nails with paint or coating
Because these nails can introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, choose rusty nails that appear to have no paint or other coating.
– Monitor plant health
Closely monitor the health of the plants. If you notice any signs of stress, discoloration, or abnormal growth, stop using rusty nails.