It might seem unusual that rusty nails could save your plants, but it’s actually possible: you can bring your plants back to life with this simple trick.
Keeping plants healthy and productive can sometimes be quite difficult, and it’s always good to learn a few helpful tips, like this
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What do rusty nails contain?
Rusty nails contain iron oxide, a reddish brittle layer, which forms when iron and oxygen react together in the presence of moisture in the air (water). Also known as ferric oxide, nail rust can provide plants with ironan essential nutrient.
Why do plants need iron?
Plants need iron to stay healthy, but only in small amounts. Iron deficiency in plants can cause weak, pale yellow leaves, poor or stunted growth, and stressed plants with drooping leaves. Iron is also essential for certain enzymatic functions of various plants.
If the soil contains too much lime or is alkaline, it can cause iron deficiency in plants. You can rectify it with iron fertilizer or this rusty nail water trick if there are not many plants or the proportion is low.
How Rusty Nails Can Save Your Dying Plants
Because rusty nails contain iron, which is the main component of various physiological and biochemical activities of plants, it is an essential part of vital enzymes such as cytochrome and Helps in the synthesis of chlorophyll.
Supplementing plants with iron oxide from nails will also help with chloroplast structure and function. As a result, making them greener, healthier and more active.
Rusty nails for plants in acidic soil
Rusty nails can slightly increase the acidity of the soil, which helps plants that like acidic soil. Although you can’t get the blue color of hydrangea flowers with this trick, it certainly works for smaller potted plants. Likewise, gardenia, azalea, ixora and many other plants benefit.
How to Use Rusty Nails in the Garden and Orchard
rusty nail water
You can put your rusty nails to good use by soaking them in water for 4-5 days. Once the water turns rusty brown, use it by dabbing onto the leaves or watering in as usual.
Rusty nails in the pots
Drive 8 to 10 rusty nails into the pot, around the plant. Every time you go in the water, the rust on the nails will help you.
Note: Rusty nails will work best for plants in small containers.