Best Fertilizers for Indoor Plants

You would think that the answer to the question of what are the best fertilizers for indoor plants would be a simple one. After all, the purpose of fertilizer is to provide the plants with enough nutrients so they can grow properly. Houseplants require fertilization just as outdoor plants to give them nutrients for healthy growing. Indoor plants receive regular feeding by either a liquid fertilizer or a granular fertilizer. Regular feeding supplements the potting medium with necessary minerals that indoor plants need. Also it is important to fertilize indoor plants since unlike outdoor plants they usually have no constant source of natural matter.

1. Amazon Kelp

Many fertilizers on the market today contain either potassium or phosphorus, and some even contain magnesium. Amazon kelp has both of these elements in its composition. Some houseplants absorb the magnesium contained in Amazon kelp and use it to help form new tissues. Other houseplants use the potassium from Amazon kelp to keep their cells healthy.

2. Granular Fertilizers

When it comes to feeding your indoor plants, another key ingredient you should look for is a granular type of fertilizer. Most companies that sell supplies for houseplants sell granular fertilizers as well. Granular fertilizers are made up of finely ground up clay, these ingredients are broken down by the plants cells into very small particles.

3. Liquid Fertilizers

These types of fertilizers usually come in concentrated forms, but there are some that come in liquid form. If you are planning on using a liquid fertilizer, you should be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly, and allow them to become a liquid before watering. If the ingredients in your mixture turn into a powder, you will need to mix the liquid fertilizer with water before applying it to your houseplants. There are some plants that respond to nitrogen or phosphorous more than others, so be sure to check the ingredients in your liquid fertilizers.

4. Slow-Release Granules

Another option for feeding your houseplants is slow-release granules. These are great for feeding your indoor plants during the spring and fall seasons. They provide your plants with a higher level of nutrition, because they stay in the soil for longer periods of time. The slow-release granules are made up of a combination of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, and they are available in both liquid and powder forms. If you choose to use the powder form of this fertilizer, mix the powder and water together until it turns into a smooth paste. Apply the liquid fertilizer to your plants, and gently massage the powder into the soil.

5. Kelp

One of the best fertilizers for your houseplants is kelp. Not only does it improve soil structure, it also encourages plant growth and greatly improves the water quality of the tank. If you have one or more types of plants that you really don’t want to get rid of, kelp is the best option. It is very effective when used as an annual treatment but also works great when mixed with other ingredients. If you mix it with fish emulsion, it becomes very powerful and will kill many insects, especially those that like to attack the roots of certain types of plants.

6. Potassium-based Fertilizers

Potassium is another common ingredient in many houseplant fertilizers. Potassium is vital to plant growth, and you will often see recommendations to increase the potassium levels in your soil with the addition of a potassium-based fertilizer. Unfortunately, this method can lead to some unpleasant side effects in your plants, such as leaf wilting and stunted growth. To solve these problems, you can either add more potassium to your soil, which will solve the problem temporarily, or you can use an organic nitrogen source.

7. Teadrops and Nettles

They are both readily available as fertilizers for indoor plants. Like Potassium, tea tree oil is very useful for encouraging root growth. Unfortunately, it is also very strong and can cause damage to the tender leaves of your plants. A more mild type of tea tree oil is often recommended, such as that from organic sources. One thing to keep in mind with teadrops and nettles is that they should not be directly applied to the leaves, as there is a risk of over-soaking and burning.

8. Fish Emulsion

It is a powdered fertilizer that can be mixed into a water sprayer to spray your plants. Like Potassium, it is readily available as an inexpensive supplement in grocery stores and natural food stores. Fish emulsion has its drawbacks, though. Because the ingredients are so inexpensive, some gardeners who are not careful about how much they apply to find that they do not have enough of the right nutrients in their plants.

9. Conclusion

These fertilizers will give your house plants the nutrients they need to thrive. If you do not know how to fertilize indoor plants, you should visit your local nursery. Many nursery owners will be able to help you choose the best indoor plant fertilizer for your needs. In addition, most will be happy to show you the key features of each type of indoor fertilizer that they carry.