Find out a cost-effective organic fertilizer mixture as a solution for leaf yellowing of the Calathea insignis.

Abstract

Calathea insignis is a widely cultivated ornamental foliage plant with aesthetic value and significant demand in the export market. However, the predominant issue at present is the yellowing of leaves in this foliage. This study compares the performance of organic fertilizers such as Fish tonic, Fruit tonic, and Sakkara with traditional chemical fertilizers such as Yaramila, Albert solution, and Young Palm Mixture. Leaf length and color were measured as key plant growth parameters to determine the efficiency of treatments. The results show that organic fertilizer (Sakkara and Fish tonic), considerably reduces leaf yellowing by allowing optimum leaf development against the control group, which had 49.04 cm. Bud formation and leaf pigmentation also increased under the organic treatments indicating improvement in plant health Statistical analysis confirmed that organic fertilizers were preferable for reducing nutrient deficiencies and improving the aesthetic appeal of plants. Findings reveal that organic treatments are cost-effective and more environmentally sustainable than chemical fertilizers to be used in the floriculture industry. This contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable agricultural practices by offering the benefits of organic fertilization for improving the quality of export of Calathea insignis.