Appendix 
A ‘complete fertiliser’ should supply the 
basic elements in acceptable proportions 
so it is advisable to check the specifica¬ 
tions on the packet. A composition of 
approximately 10 per cent N (nitrogen) 47 
per cent P (phosphorus) 6.7 per cent K 
(potassium) is generally safe for native 
plants if applied correctly. Most Australian 
soils tend to have low phosphorus levels 
and native plants are adapted to them. 
Many species will not grow well, and may 
even be killed, if treated with fertilisers with 
a high phosphorus content. 
A ‘slow release fertiliser’ provides an 
effective and convenient method of 
fertilising, e.g. Osmocote, Nutricote. The 
small pellets contain a balance of essential 
nutrients which are slowly released into 
the soil through the semi-permeable walls 
of the pellets over a period of time. This 
process generally occurs when there is an 
increase in temperature and when mois¬ 
ture is applied. Rates of dispersal can vary 
from 3-4 months to 8-9 months. The latter 
form is the most suitable for garden or 
pot culture. Pellets can be dug in or 
applied to the soil surface. 
A 'rooting hormone’ usually promotes 
quicker rooting of cuttings and a better 
root system. Rooting hormones are 
generally available from nurseries or 
garden centres in a powdered form in 
different concentrations for soft, medium 
or hardwood cuttings. At the Australian 
National Botanic Gardens liquid forms 
have been found to be more effective but 
are not readily available commercially. 
The concentrations mentioned in these 
articles have been used successfully in the 
Gardens’ nursery. (The base of the 
cuttings only should be dipped in the 
rooting hormone.) 
