Contents
Houseplant Care and Basics
How to Buy Houseplants
Houseplants and Light Conditions
How to Water Houseplants
How to Fertilize Houseplants
Temperature, Humidity, and Air Flow
Houseplant Pots and Repotting
How to Maintain Houseplants
How to Propagate Houseplants
How to Take Houseplants Outdoors
Common Houseplant Diseases
Common Houseplant Insects
Types of
Houseplants
Flowering Houseplants
Foliage Houseplants
Succulent Houseplants
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How to Fertilize Houseplants
Fertilizer is a supplement added to the soil to give houseplants the correct balance of three nutrients that are
needed for growth: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
- Nitrogen: Supports the growth of new stems and leaves and therefore is useful for foliage plants
- Phosphorus: Encourages blooming and therefore is good for flowering plants
- Potassium: Supports the growth and function of roots
Some fertilizers may contain just one or two of these nutrients, but you’re usually better off buying complete fertilizers, which contain all three.
Choosing a Houseplant Fertilizer
Though all houseplants need nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to grow, different plants need different balances of each nutrient.
All fertilizers are labeled with a three-digit fertilizer analysis number, such as 10-10-10, which shows the nutrient content of that fertilizer. The first digit represents the percentage by weight of nitrogen; the second, phosphorous; and the third, potassium.
The best fertilizers for flowering, foliage, and succulent plants are as follows:
- Flowering plants: Look for high phosphorous content, such as 10-15-10.
- Foliage plants: Look for high nitrogen content, such as 15-10-10.
- Succulent plants: Look for a well-balanced number, such as 10-10-10.
Types of Fertilizer
Fertilizers are sold in several different forms.
- Powders: Powdered fertilizer that is applied directly to the surface of the soil; ideal for plants that don’t respond well to top watering.
- Liquids: Liquid fertilizer that is mixed with water before applying; ideal for top-watered plants.
- Sticks or spikes: Small fertilizer posts that are pushed into the soil; avoid these. They can cause uneven nutrient absorption and fertilizer pockets in the soil.
When to Fertilize
Fertilizer needs can vary widely, so check your specific plant’s needs. Most plants should be fertilized once per month in the spring and summer, less in fall and winter. Some plants need no fertilizer during their resting period. Here are a few additional fertilizing guidelines:
- For new or repotted plants: Don’t fertilize a new plant (it can stress them during their adjustment to your home) or a repotted plant (potting soil already contains fertilizer) for the first 6–8 weeks.
- Yellow leaves: Can indicate too little fertilizer.
- Wilting leaves or brown spots: Can indicate too much fertilizer.
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