Sky pencil holly is a shrub that grows to be between 5 and 10 feet tall. It produces narrow elliptic to obovate leaves that grow along the branch, as well as small white flowers that bloom during the spring months (May to June). This ornamental plant is notable for its unique shape. The sky pencil holly requires the provision of the required nutrients at every growth stage by applying specialized fertilizers.
The NPK fertilizers and organic manure are notable fertilizers that can be applied to sky pencil hollies at different times in their growing cycle. The focus of this article is the NPK fertilizers, I have my reservations about organic manures. Not that organic manures are not good for sky pencil hollies, they are excellent sources of nutrients, but the nutrients are not readily available for the hollies to use at the right time. Organic manures are slow-release; they do not attend to the immediate nutritional needs of plants. So if you want your sky pencil hollies to flourish with beautiful blooms, consider the NPK fertilizers.
NPK fertilizers are balanced fertilizers; NPK means nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. These are the primary nutrients for plant nutrition. NPK fertilizers contain these primary nutrients alongside other micronutrients like zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, and boron in varying quantities. There are different NPK fertilizers you can apply to your sky pencil hollies at different growth stages; there are some formulated for vegetative growth and some for flowering. You may wonder about the difference between these fertilizers, it is simply the concentration of the nutrients in each fertilizer.
For example, young sky pencil hollies need more nitrogen and phosphorus than potassium; fertilizer applied to young sky pencil hollies would have relatively lower potassium levels. Similarly, as the sky pencil holly starts to flower, the need for potassium and phosphorus increases; fertilizer applied to grown sky pencil hollies must contain more potassium than phosphorus and nitrogen. You will understand this concept better when you read about the nutrient requirements for sky pencil hollies.
Nutrient Requirements for Sky Pencil Holly
Sky pencil holly requires three (3) essential nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, alongside micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, and boron. These nutrients are fundamental; they must be available to plants in different forms and proportions all year round. The best fertilizers for sky pencil holly must contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and potassium as well as the micronutrients in required quantities, considering the age and growth stage of the hollies.
Every nutrient present in any fertilizer plays an important role in the growth and development of the plant. Also, the purpose or primary product of any plant determines the level of nutrients such plants need. Sky pencil holly is an ornamental plant grown primarily for its foliage. Nitrogen is the nutrient element that supports the growth of foliage in any plant. Hence, the fertilizer that contains a higher percentage of nitrogen will help the sky pencil holly develop rapid, greener foliage, particularly at the early stage of growth.
As the sky pencil holly grows, its fertilizer requirement changes. Although it still needs nitrogen, the amount of nitrogen needed is reduced to give room for other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. While nitrogen helps to grow the leaves of sky pencil holly, potassium and phosphorus help the sky pencil holly develop strong roots, increase beautiful blooms, strengthen the stems, and boost resistance against pests and diseases.
Higher phosphorus and potassium are needed when Sky Pencil Holly has been fully established and is ready to bloom. Other nutrient elements required by the sky pencil holly are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur; these nutrients play essential roles in enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and the overall growth and development of the sky pencil holly.
The bottom line is, you need to understand the fertilizer required by the sky pencil hollies at different growth stages and apply the right fertilizer at the appropriate time. Nitrogen is important for the early growth, phosphorus and potassium will help sustain the growth at the later growth stage. Do not forget to look out for the micronutrients in the fertilizers; read the label to ascertain the nutrient composition of any fertilizer you are buying.
Top NPK Fertilizers For Sky Pencil Holly
Now that you know the nutritional needs of sky pencil hollies and the type of fertilizer to apply at different growth stages, here are some top NPK fertilizers you can choose for your sky pencil hollies are different growth stages:
- Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer 30-10-10: Perfect for young sky pencil hollies
- Jobes Fertilizer Spikes NPK 10-10-4: Also good for young sky pencil hollies
- Humboldts Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for sky pencil hollies
- Optimara Violet Food NPK 14-12-14: Ideal for about-to-flower sky pencil holly trees.
1. The Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer: NPK 30-10-10
The Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer is a balanced plant food that contains 30 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium, alongside micronutrients like sulfur, boron, and iron. This fertilizer is specially formulated for sky pencil hollies and other flowering ornamental plants. Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer is perfect for young sky pencil hollies; when applied to newly growing sky pencil hollies, this fertilizer facilitates strong root development and beautiful bloom; the high nitrogen content supports rapid growth and robust vegetative growth.
Characteristics:
– Great for acid-loving evergreens and tropical plants
– Contains chelated minor elements
– Promotes deep rich green color
– Contains 30% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus (P205), 10% Potassium (K20) plus Chelated Minor Elements
Formulation Details:
– Use on acid-loving evergreen shrubs, trees, and tropical plants
– Rate: Spray at 2 teaspoons or drench at 2 tablespoons per gallon. For lawns, use 1 pound per 1,000 square feet in 10 gallons of water
Additional Information:
– Manufacturer: Root 98 Warehouse
– Date First Available: July 14, 2011
– Not Discontinued By Manufacturer
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer is typically formulated for sky pencil hollies, spruce trees, azalea, blueberry, dogwood, camellia, holly, gardenia, pine, jupiter, and other flowering plants.
Application Forms: The Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer is available in liquid form
Application Rate: Use 2 tablespoons of Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer per gallon of water; for lawn application, use 1 pound of the Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer per 10 gallons of water for 1,000 square feet.
How to Apply: Mix 2 tablespoons of the Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer per gallon of water, and apply to the sky pencil hollies using a garden sprayer or drip lines. For lawn application, mix 1 pound of this fertilizer in 10 gallons of water and apply to the lawn grasses using a sprinkler.
When to apply: Apply Southern Ag Max Acid Fertilizer twice per week all through the growing cycle of the sky pencil hollies.
2. Jobes Fertilizer Spikes: NPK 10-10-4
The introduction of Jobes Fertilizer Spikes is a top innovation for effective and timely nutrient supplementation of flowering plants. Jobes fertilizer spikes contain a balanced ratio of essential nutrients that promote rapid growth, robust bloom, and strong root development in sky pencil holly and other flowering plants. Jobes fertilizer spikes are good for young sky pencil hollies. The fertilizer spikes are slow-release; they are safe for regular application and do not burn the plant roots or other parts. The spikes are strategically placed close to the sky pencil holly root, where they supply essential nutrients slowly over a long period.
Characteristics:
– Pre-measured spikes to prevent overfeeding or burning plants
– Slow-release formula prevents waste and chemical runoff
– Great for Sky pencil hollies, Chrysanthemums, African Violets, and other flowering plants
Formulation Details:
– Manufacturer: Easy Gardener
– Nitrogen: 10%, Phosphate: 10%, Potash: 4%
– Date First Available: May 6, 2017
Additional Information:
– Insert new spikes every 60 days for best results
– Easy insertion by pushing spikes into the soil around the plant
– Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
Application Guide
Target Plants: Jobes Fertilizer Spikes are typically formulated to feed all varieties of flowering plants, including sky pencil hollies, spruce, and others.
Application Forms: Jobes Fertilizer Spikes are available as premeasured sticks.
How to Apply: Insert the Jobes Fertilizer Spikes close to the root zone of the sky pencil hollies, preferably in the interrows of two plants. If you are planting in pots, insert the Fertilizer Spikes close to the edge of the pot. Water immediately and watch your plant grow healthily.
When to Apply: Apply every 60 days throughout the growth cycle of the plant.
3. Humboldts Secret Plant Food Fertilizer: NPK 20-20-20
The Humboldt’s Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food is a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, alongside other micronutrients such as boron, chelated iron, molybdenum, and sodium for the healthy growth of household flowering plants like sky pencil hollies, African violet, begonias, etc., and lawn grasses. The Humboldt’s Secret Fertilizer is best for sky pencil hollies; it contains high nitrogen and phosphorus, which facilitates robust and beautiful foliage growth as well as strong root development. The high potassium, alongside other micronutrients like boron and iron, supports photosynthesis and bud formation as well as strengthens the plant stem.
Characteristics:
- Use as a powder or liquid
– Suitable for large trees and indoor plants
- High quality product
– NPK Nutrition ratios of 20-20-20
– Contains kelp for added nutrients
– Promotes plant growth, supports root development, enhances plant vigor, and facilitates nutrient uptake
– Made in the USA
Formulation Details:
– All-purpose plant food and fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants
– Contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
– Packed with essential micronutrients including kelp, boron, chelated iron, molybdenum, and sodium
– Versatile and easy to apply as a water-soluble fertilizer
Additional Information:
– Available in different sizes with corresponding prices
– Part of the Humboldts Secret Everything Line
– Manufacturer: Humboldts Secret
– Country of Origin: USA
– Date First Available: May 14, 2024
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for sky pencil hollies, African violets, and other indoor flowering plants, fruit trees, lawn grasses, herbs, and vegetable gardens.
Application Forms: The Humboldt’s Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food is available as a water-soluble powder.
Application Rate: For solid application, apply at 50 grams per 100 sq ft., while for liquid application on outdoor or indoor plants, apply 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
How to Apply: To apply to large sky pencil hollies field, use a broadcast spreader to evenly spread the fertilizer across the lawn at the recommended rate. For indoor plants or garden crops, mix 1 tablespoon of Humboldt’s Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food in one gallon of water, and apply to the plants using drip lines or garden sprayers.
When to Apply: Apply the Humboldt’s Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food twice per week throughout the growing cycle of the plants.
4. Optimara African Violet Plant Food: NPK 14-12-14
The Optimara African Violet plant food is a balanced fertilizer that contains an NPK ratio of 14-12-14 for the healthy growth of different African violets, sky pencil hollies, and other flowering plants. The high nutrient profile of this fertilizer facilitates fast growth, robust foliage, and the development of strong roots and bud formation. The Optimara African Violet plant food does not contain urea, making it safe for regular use, as it cannot burn the plant roots.
Characteristics:
– Bulk jar makes over 80 gallons of mixed Violet Food Water
– Includes 1/2 Teaspoon measuring scoop
- Formulated specially for African Violets, but works for any blooming house plants
– Provides essential nutrients for vigorous roots, greener leaves, and longer-lasting blooms
– Does not contain urea to prevent root burn
– Shelf stable mixed solution can be used for many waterings
– Stain risk due to slight blue coloring in the plant food
Formulation Details:
– Manufacturer: Optiflora
– Date First Available: February 28, 2025
– Country of Origin: USA
Additional Information:
– Professional nutrient blend for African Violets, Begonias, and blooming plants
– Includes 1/2 Teaspoon (2.5cc) Measuring Spoon
– Stain risk: slight blue coloring in the plant food solution may stain fabrics or surfaces
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for African violets, Begonias, sky pencil hollies, and other blooming house plants.
Application Forms: The Optimara African Violet plant food is available in water-soluble powder form.
Application Rate: 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water.
How to Apply: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of The Optimara African Violet plant food in a gallon of water and apply to the plants using a garden sprayer or drip lines for precision and fertilizer management.
When to Apply: Apply two times a week throughout the growing cycle of the plants.
Tips for Fertilizing Sky Pencil Hollies
To encourage your sky pencil holly to reach its full height and spread, it’s important to fertilize it regularly. Here are some tips for applying fertilizer to your sky pencil hollies:
- Water the plant lightly before applying fertilizer so the roots can absorb it better.
- Apply the fertilizer every spring after new growth starts to appear and every fall after the leaves have dropped
- Do not fertilize sky pencil hollies during winter
- Apply the fertilizer in a circular motion around each plant, beginning where you see new growth and working your way outward until you reach the edge of its canopy.
- Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask to prevent direct touch and inhalation when mixing.
- Store fertilizers in a cool and dry place.
- Keep fertilizers out of reach of children and pets
- Do not apply the fertilizers in harsh weather conditions
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage and application for the best results.
Conclusion
Sky pencil hollies need different nutrients at different growth stages. Applying the right fertilizers at the right time is a good way to maintain and care for the hollies. NPK fertilizer is good for sky pencil hollies; it releases nutrients fast enough to meet the immediate nutritional needs of the plant. Fertilizer with high nutrient content, like Humboldt’s Secret 20-20-20 Plant Food Fertilizer, is ideal for sky pencil hollies. Fertilize sky pencil holly in early spring before the new growth begins, and ensure you apply adequate water for the mobility of the nutrients.