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We reviewed a wide range of options for this list of top picks.

Plants get nearly all the sustenance they need from water and sunlight, but since houseplants are no longer in a natural environment, they may not receive some of the plant food and nutrients they need to truly thrive. Fertilizers act as a nutritional supplement, providing houseplants with a combination of micronutrients and macronutrients that help them grow faster.

Reading: Best plant food for potted plants

With so many fertilizers available, it can be difficult for shoppers to narrow down their options. These recommendations for the best fertilizer for indoor plants were selected for their quality formulas, versatility, value, and ease of use. Keep reading to learn about the key features to consider when shopping, and then explore the picks for the best plant fertilizer products on today’s market.

BEST OVERALL: Espoma Company INPF8 Organic Indoor Plant Food
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
BEST ORGANIC: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer
BEST SLOW-RELEASE: Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food
BEST GRANULAR: Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Plant Food
BEST LIQUID: Dyna-Gro 719000 Grow 1 qt Plant Food
BEST FOR CACTUS: Grow More 3130 16 Oz Cactus Juice 1-7-6
BEST FOR FLOWERING PLANTS: J R Peters 10-30-20 Blossom Booster Fertilizer
BEST FOR HERBS AND VEGGIES: Dr. Earth Organic and Natural All Purpose Fertilizer
BEST BALANCED: Jack’s Classic All Purpose 20-20-20 Plant Food

Types of Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

The three primary types of houseplant fertilizer are liquid, granular, and slow-release pellets. Each kind has both advantages and disadvantages.

Liquid

Before applying it to a plant’s leaves or soil, a liquid fertilizer must be mixed with water, which requires some additional measuring. However, the water makes it easier to apply sparingly and avoid overfertilization. This type typically is best for those with many houseplants, because a large amount of water must be used to dilute very little fertilizer.

However, liquid fertilizers must be applied frequently—every 1 to 2 weeks.

Granular

Granular fertilizers are affordable and effective. Simply sprinkle the fertilizer on top of the soil, then mix or water it in. However, this application method is not very precise, which may lead to overfertilization.

Use a granular fertilizer when initially planting or repotting a plant so it can be thoroughly mixed into the soil. It typically must be reapplied after 4 to 6 weeks.

Slow Release

Slow-release fertilizers come in several formats, including pellets, spikes, pods, and capsules. Because they emit nutrients gradually, they can last from 3 to 6 months. They’re typically only available in traditional—not organic—formulas. Only experienced plant owners who are familiar with the level of fertilizer their particular plants require should use it.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

While it’s easy to assume that all indoor plant fertilizers offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best houseplant fertilizer.

NPK Ratio and Plant Species

The best plant fertilizers contain a mixture of macronutrients—usually nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—along with micronutrients. The balance of these three macronutrients is represented by its NPK ratio, which should be listed on the fertilizer’s packaging. For example, an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 means that a fertilizer includes 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium. The higher the percentage of nutrients, the more potent the fertilizer.

Because each plant species has different nutritional needs, a “perfect” NPK ratio doesn’t exist. Generally, green houseplants require a balanced NPK ratio or one that’s slightly higher in nitrogen. A higher balance of phosphorus is particularly beneficial for flowering plants such as African violets, oxalis, and peace lilies. Phosphorus also aids in fruit production, making it beneficial to edible plants.

Organic or Traditional

One of the primary decisions shoppers must make is choosing between a traditional or an organic fertilizer.

Organic fertilizers are made entirely from natural ingredients. Although they’re free of potentially harmful chemicals and synthetics, they aren’t quite as powerful as traditional products. Moreover, over time, their natural content can emit an unpleasant odor. Since the marketing term “organic” isn’t regulated particularly well in fertilizers, look for a product that’s been endorsed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Traditional fertilizers contain a blend of minerals balanced for feeding houseplants. Typically costing less than organic fertilizers, they come in more concentrated formulas.

Application

A fertilizer’s ease of application depends largely on whether it’s a liquid, granular, or slow-release formula.

Liquid fertilizers must be diluted with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a spray bottle, either spray it on their leaves, or pour this type of fertilizer onto the plant’s soil.
Granular fertilizers can be sprinkled evenly on the soil’s surface and mixed into the top 3 inches of soil before it’s watered, which releases the nutrients.
Slow-release fertilizers vary in application method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fertilizing with pods, spikes, pellets, or capsules.

Our Top Picks

After learning about houseplant fertilizers, it’s time to choose the best plant food for your indoor home garden. This list features the best indoor plant fertilizers and covers a range of specific houseplant needs.

Our Verdict

After reviewing this guide, you now know more about shopping for fertilizer for your indoor plants. We recommend the Espoma Company Organic Indoor Plant Food for its versatility, well-balanced NPK ratio, and relatively affordable price. Those on a budget may appreciate the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, which offers similar performance at a lower price point.

How We Chose the Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

Years of experience covering home and garden products as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 40 fertilizer options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.

Nutrient mix: We aimed to include fertilizers with a variety of micronutrients and macronutrients and feature options with a variety of NPK blends for different types of houseplants.
Type: Many different kinds of plant fertilizer are on the market, and we tried to showcase the breadth of options available by including both organic and traditional options as well as a variety of formula types.
Value: Fertilizers vary widely in quantity and concentration, but we considered overall value for the cost when making our recommendations.

Tips for Using the Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

The following tips help ensure your plants thrive without risking overfertilization.

Since all fertilizers are different, follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label.
Avoid overfertilization—reduce your fertilizing schedule if your plant’s leaves droop or begin to look burnt at the edges.
Know how to recognize nutritional deficiency based on leaf color: Browning leaves lack potassium, yellow leaves indicate a nitrogen deficiency, and purple leaves often mean the plant lacks phosphorus.
There’s no need to fertilize most houseplants during their dormant season if you live in an area that experiences standard seasonal temperature changes.

FAQs

While you now know more about choosing the best plant fertilizer, you might still want more information about how to use it. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fertilizing indoor plants.

Q. Why do indoor plants need fertilizer?

Houseplants have been removed from their natural habitat and are therefore lacking the macronutrients and micronutrients present in their native soil that helps them remain healthy. Fertilizers supplement these nutrients.

Q. What’s in houseplant fertilizer?

Houseplant fertilizers contain a mixture of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients that supplement the nutrients already in the plant’s soil.

Q. How do I fertilize indoor plants?

The fertilization method depends on the chosen formula. Add powder and granular fertilizers to the plant’s soil, then water. Dilute liquid fertilizers with water before application.

Q. How often should I fertilize indoor houseplants?

The ideal fertilization schedule depends on the type of fertilizer you choose. Liquid fertilizer should be applied every 2 to 4 weeks, whereas a granular fertilizer only needs to be applied every 4 to 6 weeks. Fertilize with a slow-release formula every 3 to 6 months.

Q. Can you overfertilize houseplants?

Overfertilization is a common problem with houseplants. The signs of overfertilization vary depending on the plant species, but they include symptoms like wilting, burnt leaves, and dried leaf margins.

Q. When should I fertilize indoor plants?

Indoor plants typically don’t need fertilizing during their dormant season, which usually takes place over the winter. Start fertilizing your houseplants in early spring, about 8 weeks before the last expected frost. In areas that don’t experience winter frosts, reduce applications to half-strength.

For more information please see the list of Best plant food for potted plants

Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-fertilizer-for-indoor-plants/

The Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants of 2022