What Is a Great Fertilizer for Indoor Plants?

Fertilizers help improve the size and health of your houseplants.

There are many good fertilizers for your indoor plants. Organic fertilizers are gentler on your plants and reduce the risk of over-fertilizing. Synthetic fertilizers act faster and often require less frequent fertilization.

Liquid Organic

Liquid organic fertilizers are easy to mix and apply. Common liquid organic fertilizers include fish or kelp emulsion.

Spreadable Organic

Powdered organic fertilizers are easy to apply either by spreading on the surface of your houseplants or working the powder into your soil. Common dry organic fertilizers include fish, bone and kelp meal.

Liquid Chemical

Synthetic fertilizers often provide higher concentrations of nutrients that can be absorbed more quickly by the plant. Many different manufacturers offer different easy-to-mix liquid formulas.

Powdered Chemical

Synthetic powdered fertilizers are also common. Like synthetic liquids, powdered synthetics can provide very high nutrient levels that are quickly absorbed by your plants.

Slow Release

Slow-release indoor plant fertilizers are usually in the form of small, round pellets that slowly dissolve with watering. Slow-release synthetic fertilizers can last for months, reducing the need for frequent fertilization.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Fertilizer Types and Calculating Application Rates
• Kansas State University: Studying fertilizers to cut greenhouse gasses
• Clemson University: Organic vs. synthetic fertilizer -- jury is still out