reviewed by Truman Perkins
Is there a "best fertilizer for indoor plant"? Can I Use any type of fertilizer when starting an indoor garden? There is so much to think about where indoor fertilizers are concerned.
Depending on who you ask, you might frequently hear experts and causals alike refer to fertilizers as plant food. And while there is just a bit of truth in it, this notion isn't entirely correct. The fact is, the only process plants get their food is via photosynthesis. Of course, you are probably already familiar with the term and the process involved during photosynthesis.
So when plants already have a guaranteed source of food for healthy growth, why then is the need for Fertilizers?
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This is an interesting question but also quite technical to answer. Asides from the nutrients plants get from photosynthesis, they also need some crucial nutrients (both macro and micronutrients) that are important in the synthesis of critical enzymes as well as important defense mechanisms.
A good way to explain this is by looking at photosynthesis and fertilizers like the way humans get food and nutritional supplements. In other words, you can see photosynthesis and other natural processes plants use in getting their food as the normal main course including appetizers and veggies. Then fertilizers are simply the nutritional supplements plants take, that though not ultimately important, are still very important.
That said, fertilizers are much more than nutritional supplements plants as aforementioned. This is because the Sun, which is the major and optimal part of every plant's food-making process, is not always up. Plants need to survive all day long, especially when they are not in their native or natural environment.
Indoor Plant Fertilizers are just a type of fertilizers which as the name implies are best for indoor farming.
Unfortunately, there are different indoor plant fertilizers to pick from over the counter in a local store or an online store.
To help you make great buying decisions and find the best fertilizer for your indoor farming, we have reviewed the top 10 best indoor fertilizers in 2023.
Spikes are essentially a type of houseplant fertilizer that is more suited for long-term plants. They are mostly used on potted plants.
The Miracle-Gro Plant food spike is Miracle-Gro's attempt at creating an effective fertilizer that can feed all foliage and flowering indoor plants. It contains the basic nutrients plants needs - NPK - in the 6 - 12 - 6 ratio.
Although it is suitable for all indoor flowering and foliage plants, The miracle-gro spikes work best on Ferns, croton, spider plants, among others.
The product is easy to use. The spikes come in different packs and sizes. The basic pack, which contains 24 spikes can continuously feed your potted plants for 2 months. That said, the brand has packs that contain as many as 576 spikes on the market for sale.
For those that are not too familiar with fertilizers in spike form, each product/pack comes with a label that contains full instructions on how to safely use the spikes so they can provide plants with the necessary micronutrients they need.
TIP: To achieve the best possible results with this product, you should replace the spikes buried in their respective holes every 25-30 days during Spring and Summer. However, in Winter, since the plants are not overly active, you can leave the spikes in their holes for about 60 days before removing them.
NOTE: Spikes works like every other plant fertilizer despite their unique form and shape. You must regularly water the plants to ensure proper growth of the plants.
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The Osmocote brand is another popular brand well recognized when it comes to fertilizers for both outdoor and indoor use.
The Osmocote Smart-Release plant food is definitely high up on the list of effective granule fertilizers on the market. It contains 11 important nutrients (both macro and micro) that indoors flowering plants and foliage need to grow properly. As if that is not enough, it is also ideal for outdoor plants or herbs.
What we particularly love about the Osmocote Smart Release Plant food is that just one 8lbs box can last for about 6 months. So not only can you expect a massive improvement in your plant's growth, but but you also don't have to worry about replacing the fertilizer anytime soon.
You'll also be glad to know that this fertilizer does not burn plants when applied. That said, you can confidently apply the fertilizer to your houseplants!
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NOTE: This wasn't the case with this product before as the granules would previously completely dissolve without any trace. It is a recent change by the manufacturers which they would hopefully reverse.
This is another entry from the Miracle-Gro brand which just goes to show how authentic and effective fertilizers from this brand is.
Unlike the Miracle-Gro Spikes that we talked about earlier, this product is in form of granules. In other words, it is a granular fertilizer that you can apply to your plant dirt and leave to dissolve.
It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants, although in this case, you are only reading this because of its effects on indoor plants.
The Miracle-Gro water-soluble fertilizer comes in different sizes. To use, all you have to do is dissolve the granules in a watering can. After which, you can then water your potted plants.
NOTE: Provided you follow the printed instructions on the box correctly, you can rest assured knowing it won't burn your flowers, vegetables, shrubs, etc.
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The VitaSea All-purpose fertilizer is one of the best purely organic fertilizers on the market. It comes with a ton of macronutrients. The fertilizer is extremely easy to use.
One thing we particularly love about this fertilizer is that it is pet and child-friendly thanks to the constituent component of the fertilizer. This means it is not only an effective fertilizer made from purely organic ingredients, but it is also safe to use even if you have kids or pets running around in the house.
The brand claims the fertilizer is capable of promoting plant growth faster than other houseplant fertilizers in its price range. It does this by promoting strong root growth of plants which in turn speeds up the nutrient intake of the plant.
In case you are wondering, you will be glad to know that the fertilizer is suitable for a variety of indoor plants. It would work on any type of succulent plant and even plants such as monstera. For this reason, it is referred to as an all-purpose fertilizer.
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Jobe's is another well-respected brand when it comes to fertilizers. It is a company based in the United States and reputed for producing quality fertilizers.
Right off the bat, you should note that the Jobe's Organics Fertilizer Spikes are formulated entirely from an organic mixture of potash sulfate, feather and bone meal. This makes it 100% organic and perfectly safe for your plants.
The spikes directly provided your plant roots with the necessary nourishment to grow bigger and greener. It works all season long and the brand even claims it has no surface runoffs!
Asides from the organic mixture contained in the spikes, each spike also contains biozome. Biozome is essentially a proprietary blend of critical microorganisms that, in the long term, improves soil quality.
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The EarthPods premium concentrated spikes are some of the best eco-friendly indoor plant fertilizers on the market.
As the name implies, the product is in form of capsules, and a bottle contains 100 of them. The capsules are incredibly easy to use and there are no accompanying smells unlike most indoor plant spike fertilizers out there.
Thanks to its concentrated organic content, the Earthpods capsules have the necessary components to make your loamy soil rich again. Thus stimulating robust root growth which in turn leads to strong stem development and vibrant leaf color.
They are some of the best long-term fertilizers on this list since the capsules slowly release enough nutrients into the soil so that the roots can easily reach them. Each capsule contains organic essential nutrients, trace minerals, humates, etc.
NOTE: For directions on how to use it, you can check the body of the accompanying paper container. However, for the most part, you will need to push in one capsule every 14 to 21 days. The capsules completely dissolve so you don't have to worry about any plastic coating or shell being left behind.
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NOTE: Trees require at least 4-7 capsules every 2 weeks for more effective results.
This liquid fertilizer is just too easy to use. It is suitable for all indoor plants including edible plants.
The Miracle-Gro indoor Plant food (Liquid) is available for sale in three different sizes: 1 pack, 2 pack, and a plant care bundle.
You only need to apply this fertilizer once every week. You can mix the liquid with water to wet your plant with or apply the liquid directly to the soil surface without mixing.
TIP: It is highly recommended you mix this fertilizer with water instead of applying it directly to the soil. Also, regardless of the procedure, you follow when applying this fertilizer, you must water your plants heavily that is, more than you would typically water them.
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The J.R Peters 52024 Jack's Classic fertilizer is one of the best, well-balanced, all-purpose fertilizers you can buy today. It contains all three essential macronutrients in equal proportions (20 - 20 - 20). The evenly balanced formula means it greatly enhances roots, stem, and leaves development without any downsides.
With this fertilizer, you do not have to worry about overfertilizing your plants provided you follow the provided instructions on how to use this product. All you need is to mix a pinch of Jack's Classic fertilizer with a gallon of water and you are good to go.
NOTE: The instructions on the product's label might differ from what we wrote above but better safe than sorry! You can always research more about the effect of this fertilizer on the particular plants you want to apply it to.
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Espoma is another brand that excels at making fertilizers that you can confidently use, knowing they won't harm your plants. Of all the different Espoma fertilizers on the market, the recipe of this particular product made it impossible to ignore, hence, why we have it on our list.
As the name implies, it is best for anyone looking to start organic gardening.
NOTE: It is only suitable for indoor plants as the product name rightly points out.
It is easy to use; all you have to do is mix the product with water. There are no smells and you don't need any elaborate measuring techniques when diluting with water. About two to three drops of the liquid are enough for a gallon of water.
NOTE: Shake well before each use.
The biggest turnoff we noticed with this product is that the bottle is quite small for the price. The lingering smell after each use is also quite overpowering especially since it takes a few days to go away and you need to apply the fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks.
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NOTE: Overall, avoid getting the fertilizer on your hands because of this lingering smell.
Yet another organic fertilizer from the Jobe's Brand. This time, we are considering this highly efficient granular fertilizer.
What we love most about this granular fertilizer is that it comes in different formulas. There is an All-purpose formula, a formula unique only for flowers and roses, a formula for annual and perennial plants, a formula for tomato and vegetable crops, etc. This gives you a wide range of options to choose from to ensure you get the best possible results when you use the fertilizer on your plant. For instance, it would only be right if you get a formula suitable for herbs if you are trying to use the product on your potted herbs. Using a formula uniquely designed for flowers and roses would more than likely harm plant growth. Of course, to be on the safer side, you can always buy the all-purpose formula so you don't have to worry about anything.
The product comes in three sizes; 1.5 lbs., 4 lbs., and 16 lbs. The fertilizer is certified by the USDA as ideal for organic gardening.
The product also contains Jobe's proprietary Biozome and Biozomethe. The biozome helps improves soil quality and condition in the long term while the boizomethe provides essential microorganisms to the soil that stimulates quick response of the plants to the nutrients being released to the roots from the granules.
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With all that has been discussed about the best fertilizers on the market right now, we also have some critical things you need to consider before buying just any Fertilizer. That way, your indoor plants get the best nutrients important for their growth and you also get the best value for your money.
This is the main thing you need to consider before buying fertilizer. There are different types of indoor fertilizers. But how do you identify their uses and importance? Well, we got you covered!
This type of fertilizer is only used whenever you want to irrigate the soil. Regardless of the formula in the fertilizer, Liquid fertilizers are only used once or twice each month.
They are only great for use during the dry season when there is less moisture in the atmosphere because of the hot weather.
As the name implies, they are in form of granules and are very efficient for young plants. However, because they are granules, they are not automatically absorbed into the soil after applying them. So, finding the right balance is very important.
It is highly recommended that you discard any instructions on the box of your fertilizer as the instructions might sometimes not be suitable for the plant you are trying to grow.
This type of fertilizer comes in many varieties. They function in a unique way that makes them a long-term nutrient source for your plants and the soil.
Slow Release Fertilizers are often in pellets and spikes form. Some seeds are treated with essential chemicals that make them sprout quickly and grow efficiently with even nutrient distribution.
Although it is a long-term nutrient source for plants, this is also its biggest drawback. One can't tell how fast the nutrients will be dispersed into the soil or absorbed by the plant roots. T
As simple as this sounds, it still bears considering. Different types of plants require different nutrients from the soil. As if that is not enough, they also have different life spans which essentially means they require different amounts of nutrients in the long run.
This is only right to consider since without having the exact amount an item costs, you just won't be able to buy it. Fertilizer costs money to buy and comes at different prices. There are different reasons for this. For one, each fertilizer has a different formula - that is, they contain all the essential elements they supply to the soil and plants in different percentages. In addition, different brands of fertilizers also influences the price of a specific fertilizer.
This is very tricky to answer since there are different types of fertilizers, each with its unique formula and nutrient constituent. As a result, how often you apply any fertilizer depends on the type or brand of fertilizer you are using.
However, there is a consensus when it comes to applying fertilizers. Generally, fertilizers are often applied once every 2 to 3 weeks. Some powerful fertilizers are also applied once every 3 to 4 months.
NOTE: While doing some guesswork while applying a specific type of fertilizer is understandable, you don't necessarily have to guess! Most of the popular indoor fertilizers come with instructions that informs users on how to use the fertilizer.
Contrary to what one might think, there are optimal times to apply fertilizers. There is also the right amount of fertilizer to apply depending on the plant. You don't want to overfeed your plant with fertilizer.
Spring is quite tricky to plant in. The right time to apply fertilizer on your indoor plants is usually about 8 weeks before spring or summer starts - that is after the first freeze.
That said, it is understandable if you are still confused. To help, we have compiled a few general tips you should know when applying fertilizers in general:
How you apply fertilizer greatly depends on the form the fertilizer you want to apply is in. That is, how you would apply liquid fertilizer is different from how you will apply granular fertilizer.
Most of the best liquid fertilizers on the market come with instructions on how to use them. Although, to be quite honest, they generally come with the same, almost generic, instructions - which is always to add a tablespoonful of the liquid directly to the soil surface or into water that you will then apply using a spray bottle.
Granular Fertilizers on the other hand are applied onto soil surface. After which you have to water the plant to increase the rate at which the granular fertilizer releases nutrients into the soil.
NOTE: This is just a summary of how indoor fertilizers are applied. The best way to apply fertilizer is to follow any instructions the manufacturer of the fertilizer adds to their product or to follow other user's review of the fertilizer.
There are different ways you can identify when you need to fertilize your plants.
The most obvious way is by checking the growth of the plant. If the growth is stunted, then there is a big chance it lacks one of the essential elements needed to grow properly. In this case, you need to apply fertilizer.
NOTE: There is an exception you should take note. If the plant stills shows stunted or poor growth after the application of fertilizer, the answer is not to apply more. Instead, you should try to expose the plant to more sunlight or water.
Other signs you can use to identify when your plants needs fertilizer includes:
Of course, there are. The easiest way to do this is making use of organic fertilizers. This type of fertilizer is made using organic materials. Asides from that, there are also certain ways you can add nutrients to the soil your indoor plant is growing in. For instance, you can add banana peels, coffee grounds, and gelatin power to the soil. Corn gluten meal also works provided it is fresh.
Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes, Includes 24 Spikes - Continuous Feeding for all - Walmart Link
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 10 lbs. - Walmart Link
Jobe's Organics 09524 Purpose Granular Fertilizer, 16 lb - Walmart Link
Indoor Plant Food | All-purpose House Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Common Houseplant - Walmart Link
Joyful Dirt Organic Premium Concentrated House Plant Food and Fertilizer. Easy Use Shaker - Walmart Link
Organic Indoor Plant Food - VitaSea All Purpose Indoor Plant for Indoor Plants (6 oz) by - Walmart Link
Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lbs - Walmart Link
EarthPods Premium Concentrated Indoor Plant Food Spikes (100 Count) - Easy to Use - - Walmart Link
Jobes 5001T Houseplant Plant Food Spikes 13-4-5 50 Pack - Walmart Link
J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer - Walmart Link
Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes, Includes 24 Spikes - Continuous Feeding for all - eBay Link
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 10 lbs. - eBay Link
Jobe's Organics 09524 Purpose Granular Fertilizer, 16 lb - eBay Link
Indoor Plant Food | All-purpose House Plant Fertilizer | Liquid Common Houseplant - eBay Link
Joyful Dirt Organic Premium Concentrated House Plant Food and Fertilizer. Easy Use Shaker - eBay Link
Organic Indoor Plant Food - VitaSea All Purpose Indoor Plant for Indoor Plants (6 oz) by - eBay Link
Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lbs - eBay Link
EarthPods Premium Concentrated Indoor Plant Food Spikes (100 Count) - Easy to Use - - eBay Link
Jobes 5001T Houseplant Plant Food Spikes 13-4-5 50 Pack - eBay Link
J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer - eBay Link
Indoor fertilizers are as important as sunlight and water which plants depend on. Finding one that is good, easy to use and compatible with the plant you are cultivating is not an easy task. This is made even more difficult because of the different reputations some of the brands producing these fertilizers have.
So how do you make a good decision overall? Well, we certainly hope our buying guide has done justice to that question.
However, for a brief overview of the buying guide, all you have to worry about is the plants you want to work with. Each plants requires different elements and nutrients from the soil in varying degrees and percentage. Hence, spend quality time to research about the plant before buying a fertilizer
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About Truman Perkins
Truman Perkins is a Detroit-based SEO consultant who's been in the business for over a decade. He got his start helping friends and clients get their websites off the ground, and he continues to do so today. In his free time, Truman enjoys learning and writing about gardening - something he believes is a natural stress reliever. He lives with his wife, Jenny, and their twins in Detroit.
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