Abstract: A method for providing a P buffer fertilizer to plants growing in soilless media has been developed. Plants are provided with phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) in a concentration ranging from 0.25-16% by volume as a solid-phase P buffer for sustained release of P. The resulting plants show increased root growth and resistance to transplant stress. The invention has the further benefit that it virtually eliminate P leaching from the growing media. The fertilizer can be applied to containerized plants, crops, grass or other plants requiring P for growth. The invention is particular useful for greenhouse plants, vegetable and bedding transplants, stadium fields and golf courses where P leaching from the growing media is undesirable. The invention is particularly useful for transplants because it affords increased root growth which increases the probability of transplant success.