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Phosphorus-Sensitive Plants

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Why phosphorus is an issue for some Australian plants

As a general rule, Australian soils are very low in phosphorus.

As a result, many Australian plants evolved to take up as much phosphorus from the soil as possible.

If these plants are fertilised with the standard fertiliser used for most exotic plants, they will take up too much phosphorus, overdose and possibly die.

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Osmocote® PLUS Native Gardens

Are your plants phosphorus-sensitive?

Use Osmocote® Plus Native Gardens on plants that are very phosphorus-sensitive.

Not all Australian natives are phosphorus-sensitive

Not all Australian plants are sensitive to phosphorus. For example, Australian natives such as bottlebrushes, lillypillies, melaleucas and most gums respond well to plant food containing phosphorus.

Use low phosphorus formulations for phosphorus-sensitive plants

However, if in doubt, always used a Scotts® low phosphorus formulation for your native plants.

Australian plants that are particularly phosphorus-sensitive

Popular Australian plants that are particularly sensitive to phosphorus include

  • Grevillea spp.
  • Banksia spp.
  • Hakea spp.
  • Telopea (Waratah)
  • Hardenbergia spp.
  • Acacia boormanii
  • Alyogyne spp.
  • Phebalium spp.

Warning!Be aware.

Proteas are native to South Africa, not native to Australia, but they are also sensitive to phosphorus.