Question
Greetings - I was reading a posting that advised not to use nitrogen fertilizer on a rope plant.  I have been doing this for years with my plant.  Could you explain the rationale and what harm I could be doing?
Thank you

Answer
Jen,

It will grow mostly green and will not bloom if you give it a high nitrogen fertilizer. If you want it to blooom you need to give it a fertilizer for blooming plants. That will have a higher 2nd # and be higher in phosphorous.

Below is a good explanation of fertilizer:

Ever wonder what  fertilizer numbers mean?   Should I use  5-10-10  or  12-12-12  on my tomatoes and corn?   Perhaps this explanation will help you.  Those numbers tell you HOW MUCH  of  certain  desirable  chemicals are in the fertilizer.   Here in Southeastern Ohio we badly need the last 2 nutrients in fertilizer.   

The first number is always NITROGEN.   Nitrogen is what gives our lawns that nice dark green color.   Nitrogen is necessary for plant growth.  Corn grows very tall, and therefore needs 2 applications of nitrogen; one once it is knee-high.  However, too much of a good thing is not good.  Too much nitrogen can kill our lawns !   Somewhat higher nitrogen levels are fine with leafy crops, like lettuce.   But plants that have fruit (eg. tomatoes) are actually hindered by excess nitrogen.  Tomato plants that get too much nitrogen grow very big, but have few tomatoes hanging on the vines.

The second number is for PHOSPHORUS.  Phosphorus gives the plants health and fruit.  Proper amounts assist the plant in disease resistance.  Also it promotes seed germination and fruit (or flowers) production.   

The third number mention in fertilizer is POTASSIUM.  Potassium assists in good root development.  It is also called  by the name POTASH

Hope that helps. Good luck.

Darlene