What Fertilizer Works Best for House Plants?

Specialized fertilizers can be used on flowering plants.

All Houseplants Need Basic Nutrients

No matter what kind of houseplants you have, they all require the same basic nutrients in order to thrive. A complete, balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium will meet the needs of most plants.

Specialized Fertilizers Can Improve Plant Growth

Specialized fertilizers can improve the growth of specific plants. Fertilizers with high concentrations of nitrogen help plants with heavy foliage grow healthy leaves. Fertilizers with higher levels of phosphorus can help flowering plants grow larger blooms. There are also specialty houseplant fertilizers for orchids, roses and other flowers.

Bottom Line

Whether you choose to use different fertilizers for different plants is up to you. Choose a fertilizer based on how often you want to fertilize and the results you desire. For low-maintenance, once monthly fertilizing, choose a slow release, granular fertilizer. Water-soluble fertilizers can be used on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. When choosing fertilizers designed for specific plants, read labels carefully. Sometimes the only difference in the contents is the label and the same fertilizer can be bought for less.

References

• University of West Virginia: Houseplants
• University of Connecticut: Fertilizing Houseplants