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These formulas are the magic touch you require to enhance your houseplants .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
A good potting mixand a veritable watering schedule go a farseeing way towardskeeping your houseplants well-chosen , but to facilitate your plants sincerely thrive indoors , you may need to apply fertilizer .
Fertilizers provide different total of essential macronutrients to your plant life . Some fertilizers also furnish flora with alter amounts of micronutrients and germ to help the plant take up more of the valuable nutrients in the plant food for thought . fertiliser are uncommitted as smooth , granule , or slow - liberation chemical formula — each type has advantages and disadvantages .
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“ Indoor plants utilize nutrient from the ground during periods of alive growth ( typically from spring through gloam ) , ” saysJessica Walliser , horticulturist and Centennial State - founder of SavvyGardening.com . “ Because indoor plants are growing in the restricted surround of a container of pot soil , it ’s important for us to provide them with nutrients . ”
What We Researched
When researching indoor fertiliser , we considered thetype , alimental point , and frequency of purpose . We also let in both constitutional and man-made options .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Bloom City Fertilizer Supplement
This organic fertilizer is an eco - favorable , sustainably - harvested pick that ’s safe to use on any type of plant , admit edibles .
It has a strong seaweed aroma that shoppers may not like .
If you ’re count for a plant nutrient that ’s made with raw ingredient , theBloom City CleanKelp Fertilizer Supplementis the good option . Kelp boosts root and root wellness — and when plant are healthy , they can better withstand environmental stressors like disease and insect . Plus , it ’s much harder to burn your plants with an constitutional plant food .
Credit: Amazon
Bloom City ’s fertilizer is made with a blend of seven specie of organic seaweed and kelp . It ’s processed for take out the fibrous pulp that can produce a briny appearing .
To employ it to your indoor plants , mix 5 to 10 milliliters per gallon of water in your lacrimation can and pour the solution over the grime . you could also spray it on the leaves if you are utilise it to a lot of flora or in a bombastic area .
It ’s a honorable multipurpose expression ; in summation to houseplant , you canuse the plant food outsideon veggie , herbaceous plant , fruiting trees , and lawns . you may apply this to houseplants every time you irrigate or once to twice a month if spraying outside .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We test this fertilizer on our indoor plant , and we were proud of that our plants showed signs of improvement . While some fertiliser have a strong , unpleasant scent , we regain that the flavour of this one was invoke and reasonably sweet .
The fertilizer comes in a container with a lid that we had to push down and worm to open up , so it would be difficult for nipper or positron emission tomography to get into it . Because the formula is constitutive , we also appreciated that we could apply it on eatable industrial plant , such as herbaceous plant and vegetables .
The only downside to this fertilizer is that unlike other option , like theMiracle - Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food , this one does n’t get along with a measuring tool . You may have to expend an old measure cup or spoon , or buy one specifically to utilize for fertilizer .
production Details : eccentric : Liquid |Nutrient Levels : Not number |Organic or Synthetic : Organic |software Frequency : Every watering |Quantity:32 ounces
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Miracle-Gro Miracle-Gro Plant Food
This fertilizer forebode to give indoor plants a good rise with its eminent atomic number 7 content .
It ’s not made with organic constituent , so it ’s not suitable for organic gardeners .
TheMiracle - Gro Water - Soluble All - Purpose Plant Foodis both budget - friendly and effective . Plus , you could use it on houseplant , flower , vegetable , roses , trees , and shrubs , so you wo n’t have to buy more than one fertilizer to care for different plants in your home .
To use this fertilizer on houseplants , just mix half a teaspoon of the liquid plant food with a gallon of water supply in awatering canand soak the theme of your plants . You should contrive to implement every one to two weeksduring the acquire season . Be certain to conform to the direction cautiously to obviate applying too much and burning your plant . For outdoor plants , you’re able to use more of the fertiliser : 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer per Imperial gallon of water .
This formula is comparatively potent , providing 24 % N , 8 % P , and 16 % potassium . This is a good amount more than a number of other fertilizers design for houseplants . The high-pitched concentration of nitrogen can help foliation industrial plant farm , and the phosphorus will give blossoming plant a boost , too .
It ’s important to observe that the Miracle - Gro Water - Soluble All - Purpose Plant Food is made with synthetic ingredient rather than organic ones . This means they willeventually deplete the grunge ’s quality . citizenry who prefer to habituate organic fertilizers for indoor plants will want to fend off this option .
When we test this fertilizer on our own indoor plants , we appreciate how easy it was to use . We mixed a tablespoonful of the sorry granules with a gallon of water and fertilize our industrial plant . Over our testing stop , we noticed that ourmini Panax ginseng treegrew at a faster rate than it had without the fertilizer , and the leaves doubled in size of it .
We also like that we only had to use a tablespoon each clip — the fertilizer is also an affordable price , and the fact that we only had to use a little flake means it will also last a long time , make it even more price effective .
Product Details : Type : Liquid |Nutrient Levels:24 - 8 - 16 |Organic or synthetical : Synthetic |software Frequency : Every one to two hebdomad |Quantity:8 snow leopard
Credit: Amazon
Best Granule
Burpee All Purpose Granular Plant Food
The formula slowly resolve to allow nutrient for up to three month , so you do n’t need to go for it very often .
It ’s nutrient - rich and exercise for outside plants as well , which mean it ’s easy to over - fertilize .
The best fertiliser for indoor plants provide nutrient for your plants and is humble - upkeep for you . TheBurpee All Purpose Granular Plant Foodfeeds indoor plant for up to three calendar month ; each granule in the fertilizer is coated with rosin to dissolve tardily and release nutrients over time . Plus , the organic formula , which contains 4 % nitrogen , 4 % phosphoric , and 4 % K , promotes soil wellness .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Keep in mind that this cream can also be used for outside plants and is nutritious - rich , think of it can be well-off to over - utilise for indoor plants . To avoid burnt ascendant or scorched leaves , employ less than the recommend dosage for indoor plants , as too much fertilizer will negatively impact your plant ’s wellness .
Walliser advocate only applying constitutive granular fertilizer once or twice from March to September . This will help your plant absorb the most nutrients during the grow season and prevent over - fertilizing .
This pick can be coalesce in with pot stain during planting or gently spread out into the top in of ground for established plant . Four pounds of this fertilizer will cover over 200 straight feet . you’re able to utilise supererogatory fertilizer in youroutdoor flower beds , and be sure to store the bag in a cool , dry place .
Product Details : Type : Granule |Nutrient Level:4 - 4 - 4 |Organic or Synthetic : Organic |app Frequency : Every three months |Quantity:4 pounds
Best Liquid
Easy Peasy All Purpose Indoor Plant Food
A small goes a long way , so the 8 ounce bottle should last quite a while and feed many plants .
It ’s concentrated and must be added to water before use .
Many plant food are made for both indoor and outside plants . This is n’t an yield with proper software , but it ’s common to over - inseminate indoor plants with this eccentric of formula . TheEasy Peasy All Purpose Indoor Plant Foodis made specially for indoor plant life to give you heartsease of brain .
Houseplants rise in poorer conditions than outdoor plants since they do not receive rain and unceasing sun , but this also means the environment is n’t stripping indoor flora of take nutrients . Fertilizer avail replenish what the surroundings take away , which means indoor plant do not need as many nutrient as outdoor plants .
A right formula can make all the divergence for your indoor works and ensure their wellness is n’t negatively impacted . Liquid fertilizer is easy to apply , and there ’s a smaller luck that you accidentally over - fertilise and burn your plant .
Easy Peasy fall in a concentrated 8 - ounce bottleful and will require to be blend with water supply before usance . It ’s recommend to use 1 teaspoon of solution with at least 2 cup of urine . When using this amount , you may get up to 12 gallons of food for your indoor plants .
The hint absolute frequency is once per week , but note that indoor leafage , cacti , and succulent need few food than indoor industrial plant with fruit or flush . Keep this in mind when watering .
Product Details : case : Liquid |Nutrient Level:4 - 3 - 4 |Organic or Synthetic : Not listed |software Frequency : Once a week |Quantity:8 ounce
Best Slow-Release
Osmocote Plus Outdoor and Indoor Plant Food
This fertilizer is the ultimate in downcast - sustenance horticulture ; lend oneself it once , and it keeps ferment for four months .
It ’s made of synthetic ingredients rather than organic .
Do n’t want to mess with fecundate your houseplant very often ? In that face , a great option for yourindoor plantsmay be a dumb - release fertiliser . Many of these fertilizer only require you to practice it every few calendar month or just a pair time a year , minimise the need for ceaseless care .
Credit: Amazon
Osmocote ’s Smart - Release Plant Foodkeeps lick for up to four months after you practice it . Although that may sound improbable , it work because each granule of the fertilizer is coat with a resin that controls how quickly the nutrient are relinquish into the stain .
And since the food in Osmocote ’s fertilizer are eject based on change in temperature , the plant will receive more nutrient during the growing season ( when they need them most ) .
This plant food contain 15 % nitrogen , 9 % morning star , and 12 % potassium , and it works for many different plant mixture and growing atmospheric condition . It also come with the society ’s no - burn assurance , which promises that your plants wo n’t get burned when you lend oneself it at the urge rate . Keep in mind that it is a synthetic product and not suitable for organic gardening .
Credit: Amazon
To apply , sparge one goop of plant food for every 2 gallons or 4 square feet of soil , mix it into the top 1 to 3 in of stain , and then water as you normally would . The direction let in appropriate amounts for different size of potty : for example , 1 teaspoon is recommended for an 8 - column inch corporation .
Product detail : Type : tedious - release granule |Nutrient Levels:15 - 9 - 12 |Organic or Synthetic : Synthetic |software Frequency : Every four months |Quantity:2 pounds
Best All-Purpose
Dr. Earth All-Purpose Fertilizer
If you require to buy just one eccentric of plant food for your houseplants and outside garden , this one does the trick .
It ’s easy to overfeed with granule fertilizers , so follow the instructions cautiously .
Instead of clutter up up your closet orgardening shedwith tons of different fertilizer for every flora variety , regard buying an all - aim plant food for your indoor plants .
Credit: Amazon
TheDr . globe All - Purpose Fertilizercan be applied to all your houseplants , then direct outdoors to treat your lawn and outdoor plants as well . Because it ’s made with constitutional ingredient , you’re able to also practice it on your plants without as much concern about its impact on soil quality .
For houseplants andcontainer - originate plants , simply mix two heap tablespoonful of the fertiliser per gal of soil ( which is roughly adequate to the soil in a 4 - in corporation ) . you’re able to commix this grainy fertilizer in with the potting soil during planting or lightly work the plant food into the top in of grease for conventional flora .
This fertilizer provides a balanced premix of nutrients , which is what makes it so suitable for a all-embracing raiment of plant life . It contain 4 % nitrogen , 6 % Lucifer , and 5 % potassium .
Credit: Amazon
It ’s made from fish off-white repast , alfalfa meal , fish repast , K sulfate , and kelp meal . Use it once a calendar month for houseplant and about once every eight week for flowers , trees , and bush .
mathematical product detail : Type : Granule |Nutrient Levels:4 - 6 - 5 |Organic or Synthetic : Organic |program Frequency : Once a calendar month |Quantity:64 ounces
Best for Flowering Plants
EarthPods Fertilizer Spikes
These plant fertilizer capsule are completely mess free ; simply place them in the grease and let them dissolve slowly .
You ’ll necessitate to use up to eight pods at a metre for large plant , so you may run out of fertiliser more quickly than others .
To keep your indoor bloom vibrant and thriving for long , buy a fertilizer fat in nutrients that will help them develop their bright flowers . TheEarthPods Organic Flower Food Fertilizer Spikesare designed for both indoor and outdoor inflorescence plants , and they ’re extremely immediate and easy to use .
Credit: Amazon
Simply exhort one EarthPod capsule all the way into the potting soil mixture near the center of the blossoming plant , then water it as you would normally .
The Earth Pods will break down over time and slowly release nutrients direct into the soil near the root zone . You ’ll need to reapply them every two to three week . These space capsule can be used on flower bulb , houseplant , one-year flowers , andflowering shrubs .
For little plant , you ’ll only need one or two EarthPods , but you may want up to eight for heavy plants . To give your cut flowers an added boost , simply dissolve one or two capsules in a vase of halfhearted water and put the stems directly deep down .
Credit: Amazon
While many prosperous - to - purpose spikes , pellets , and fertiliser capsules stop synthetical ingredients , we wish that the EarthPods Organic Flower Food Fertilizer spikes are made with organic ingredients . The packaging is even made from recycled paperboard print with soy ink , minimizing this product ’s long - terminus impact on the environment .
It ’s important to note that the manufacturer does n’t disclose the exact nutrient crack-up in its fertiliser capsule , so you wo n’t be able to compare it to other product based on its N - atomic number 15 - K contents . Be sure to keep an eye on the command cautiously to assure you do n’t accidentally over - flow your plant life .
Cartesian product Details : Type : Capsules |Nutrient Levels : Not Listed |Organic or man-made : Organic |software Frequency : Every two to three hebdomad |Quantity:4 ounces/100 capsules
Credit: Amazon
Best for Herbs
Jobe’s Organics Plant Food for Herbs
This plant food contains fungus to help break food down and amend your soil ’s quality .
It has a strong lingering smell after applying .
purchase a fertiliser for plants you ’ll ultimately be eating poses extra challenge , since you ’ll want to control that the fertilizer wo n’t put you ( or anyone who eats it ) in danger . An constituent fertilizer is a great choice forindoor herb plant , and we particularly likeJobe ’s Granular Plant Food for herbaceous plant .
In world-wide , herbs do n’t require a ton of fertilizer , so this granular plant food contains 2 % nitrogen , 5 % phosphorus , and 3 % atomic number 19 to give them an all - around boost . The phosphorus in particular help it produce more greenery , result in more herbs for you to glean and enjoy .
Additionally , the fertilizer also hold a blend of hefty bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi that help give away down nutrients into the filth and improve the territory quality over clip .
The mathematical product instructions commend that you apply this fertilizer every four to six week . Because it ’s a granular fertilizer , it can be easy to apply too much fertilizer , so abide by the directions cautiously .
Like most fertilizers , Jobe ’s Organic Granular Plant Food has a strong smell . However , many gardeners report that the scent loaf for a farseeing time , so we commend applying the fertilizer in a well - ventilated area for good termination .
Product Details : Type : Granule |Nutrient Levels:2 - 5 - 3 |Organic or synthetical : Organic |app Frequency : Every four to six calendar week |Quantity:4 pounds
Best for Cacti and Succulents
The Grow Co Succulent & Cacti Plant Food
It ’s a highly low - maintenance fertilizer — each lotion should last for up to nine month .
Pots deep than four inches will require more pellet .
Cacti and succulentsare optimum for anyone with a bad running record of keep industrial plant alive . They require minimal care , so it ’s authoritative to beak a fertiliser that fits in with that set - back lifestyle . TheGrow Co Succulent & Cacti Plant Foodis a blue - maintenance pick . It service as a nutrient booster shot and lightly fertilise your cactus and succulent over nine months .
The granular plant food is ideal for cactus and succulents because the deadening - passing pod are activated when water , which means you avoid over - fertilizing . To apply , sprinkle pellet onto the soil ’s open .
For good upshot , lightly mix the top level of territory over the fertilizer . If you have pots deeper than 4 inches , keep in mind that ¼ teaspoon is required for every 2 inches of pot width . For larger cacti , this can get pricey .
It contains 1 % N , 1 % phosphorus , and 1 % potassium to assist your plants store zip and get them growing and florescence . The easy formula is urea - free to prevent burn roots , while the magnesium promotes vibrant colour and a shiny appearance .
Product detail : Type : Slow - release granule |Nutrient Level:1 - 1 - 1 |Organic or celluloid : Not listed |program Frequency : Every eight to nine months |Quantity:5 ounces
The Bottom Line
Our favorite fertiliser is theBloom City CleanKelp Fertilizer Supplementbecause it ’s easy to utilise without splatter or burn your plants , and it uses natural ingredients alternatively of synthetic unity . For flowering plant life , we love theEarthPods Organic Flower Food Fertilizer , which comes in the form of capsule that you could push into the soil .
What to Know About Fertilizers for Indoor Plants Before Shopping
Fertilizer Type
Fertilizers for indoor plants are usable in three master forms : liquid , granular , and dim - spillage . fluent fertiliser are reduce with water and applied through a watering can . No matter what physical body you choose , we recommend shopping for organic fertilizer over those with man-made ingredients .
“ constituent liquid fertiliser are my first selection for indoor plants because it ’s well-to-do to hold in the amount and frequency of their program , ” Walliser says . “ Plus , liquid fertilizers are useable for plant use very quickly . ”
Granule fertiliser are sprinkled on top of the soil and then combine into the dirt with piddle . This type of fertilizer is often less expensive than liquid or slow - departure options , but it can be easy toapply too much fertilizerif you do n’t watch over the instructions cautiously .
Slow - release plant food inject nutrients into the potting soil over an prolonged period of time . They may cost more than other type of fertilizer , but one software will last for several months , so you wo n’t postulate to re - apply as often . Many are made from man-made rather than constituent ingredients and they are available in several forms , such as pellets , spike , pod , and capsule .
Nutrient Levels
As a ecumenical rule , the best fertilizers for indoor plant life will put up abalanced level of nitrogen , phosphorus , and atomic number 19 , but keep in mind that not all houseplants will necessitate the same nutrient . Flowering plants will profit from a fertilizer that ’s high in Lucifer , which supports bloom , while new houseplant will do well with a fertilizer high in nitrogen that encourage healthy outgrowth .
Organic or Synthetic
Traditional celluloid fertilizers may be a little more tight - acting than an organic one , but constitutional fertilizers are made with all - natural ingredient that ’ll have better longsighted - term effects .
To ensure that an constitutive fertilizer is dependable for your organic garden , it ’s a dependable idea to insure it is OMRI - number , which have in mind it is approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute .
Suggested Frequency of Use
Always follow the manufacturing business ’s statement whenapplying fertilizer to your plants — this is the best way to ensure you do n’t over - apply it .
“ If I ’m using a liquid product , I fertilise my houseplant aboutonce every four to six weeks from March through Septemberwhile the plants are in an fighting state of growth , ” Walliser says .
However , other character of fertilizers do n’t need to be utilize as frequently . “ If you ’re using organic granulose products or synthetic dumb - release fertiliser , only put on once or twice from March to September , ” Walliser state .
Keep in mind that houseplants demand more fertilizer during the growing time of year and may have unlike needsduring the winter calendar month .
Type of Indoor Plant
Outdoor plant life get nutrients from the environment in addition to plant food , but indoor plants are not meet that same sunshine and rainwater . That ’s why fertilizer is so significant to an indoor plant ’s overall health .
Generally speaking , indoor plants can receive the same character of fertilizer as outside works , but the amount and frequency will diverge . plant life with flowers or yield will require more fertilizer , since picking the efflorescence or fruits train nutrient off from the plant . On the other handwriting , foliage plants , cacti , and succulents will not need as much fertiliser .
Once you bring your new indoor industrial plant family , a fast on-line hunt will show that specific plant ’s demand . Just be certain to read the fertiliser ’s instruction label ; too much fertilizer can lead in burnt roots and singe foliage .
Your Questions, Answered
How much fertilizer do you need for a whole growing season?
The amount of fertilizer involve calculate on the type of works . Plants with flowers or fruits take more nutrients and may need new fertiliser every time you water . Some plant life , include foliage and cacti , can go several months without young fertilizer .
It ’s crucial to do agile inquiry on your plant character and read the fertilizer ’s recording label to insure you are n’t pay your plant too much plant food as this can negatively impact your plant ’s health .
Indoor plants ’ grow season is from early spring to late summer . During these month , plant will benefit the most from plant food and receive the most food , so prioritize fertilization during this time . loosely speaking , an 8 - ounce fertilizer will last you one time of year .
What can you expect to pay for fertilizer for indoor plants?
The fertilizers on our list range in price from $ 6 to $ 40 . Less expensive plant food are typically made from synthetic ingredients rather than constituent ones . Over time , this can impact your plant ’s soil calibre . If you favour organic or nutrient - dense fertilizers , look to yield more .
If you have several indoor plant , you ’ll benefit from corrupt fertilizer in larger quantities since the damage per oz. is typically lower in volume . Plus , fertilizers stored in cool , dry place can last up to 10 years .
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a writer who specialise in gardening and outdoor production , andAddie Mortonis a contributing author for Better Homes & Gardens who specializes in home interior decoration and lifestyle subject . To write this roundup of the good fertilizers for indoor plants , they researched products online , and Mulvihill spoke withJessica Walliser , a horticulturist , author of Container Gardening Complete , and co - father of SavvyGardening.com .
