How to Fertilize Your Indoor Plants | Beginner’s Guideline

While many indoor plants can survive with minimal fertilization, providing them with the right nutrients can make a significant difference in their growth and overall health. However, knowing when and how to fertilize your indoor plants can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to gardening. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss the basics of fertilizing indoor plants of your home garden, including the best types of fertilizers to use, how often to fertilize, and tips for ensuring that your plants receive the proper amount of nutrients. By following these simple steps, you can help your indoor plants reach their full potential and enjoy a lush, vibrant display of foliage all year round.

Why Fertilization is Important for Plants

Plants, like people, require essential nutrients to grow and thrive. These nutrients are crucial for their proper development and overall health. Among the most important are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, known as macronutrients, as they are required in the largest amounts. While plants also need micronutrients, these are typically needed in smaller quantities and are often naturally present in the soil. 

If plants do not receive enough macronutrients, they may develop weak stems, smaller leaves, fewer flowers, and exhibit poor coloration. Fortunately, most nutrient deficiencies can be corrected by applying fertilizers to the soil. However, the methods for fertilizing plants may vary depending on whether they are grown in a garden or in pots.

When to Fertilize Your Indoor Plants

To ensure optimal results, it's important to fertilize the plants of your home garden at the right time. As a general guideline, it's best to fertilize them only when they are actively growing. Applying fertilizer during their dormant period can damage their foliage or potentially even result in plant death. When applying fertilizer, it's crucial to avoid over-fertilization. 

In fact, applying too much fertilizer can be more detrimental than not applying enough. Therefore, it's important to carefully follow the instructions provided with your fertilizer product. To err on the side of caution, it may be best to dilute liquid fertilizers by half. By being mindful of when and how you fertilize your houseplants, you can help them thrive and achieve their full potential.

What to Use for Fertilization

By choosing the right type of fertilizer for your indoor plants, you can help ensure that they receive the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. There are several different types of fertilizers available for indoor plants, which can be purchased at nurseries and garden centers. Liquid, stick, and tablet fertilizers are commonly available, as well as slow-release and granular forms. While these fertilizers are easy to use, some gardeners prefer to avoid sticks and tablets, as they may not disperse the fertilizer evenly throughout the entire pot. 

Liquid fertilizers can be directly added to your watering can and are often used every time you water, or every other time. It's important to read the product label to determine when and how much to apply. Slow-release fertilizers, such as Osomcote, are another option. These are resin-coated, time-released pellets that gradually release nutrients each time the plant is watered. 

You Can Also Use Organic Fertilizer

For those who prefer a more natural approach to fertilization, organic fertilizers are a great option. Organic fertilizers are preferred by many gardeners over chemical fertilizers because they gradually break down over time, which in turn improves the soil quality by enhancing its ability to hold more nutrients and water. 

Organic fertilizers are typically made from plant waste such as compost, animal waste like manure, or powdered minerals such as bone meal. While these fertilizers are sometimes referred to as natural, it's worth noting that they may have undergone some processing. Organic fertilizers are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly way!

How Much and How Often to Fertilize 

To determine how often and how much to fertilize your plants, it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the brand or product you're using. Typically, fertilizing once a week or every two weeks during the growing season is sufficient. 

However, it's important to check a guide specific to your plant, as some plants may not need to be fertilized as frequently or may require a lower concentration of fertilizer than recommended on the label. Additionally, plants that are growing in low-light conditions may not require as much fertilizer since they are not growing as quickly.

Use Homemade Fertilizer for Your Houseplants

Homemade fertilizers are a great option for those who want to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Here are a few simple recipes for making your own fertilizers at home:

1. Compost Tea: Compost tea is made by steeping compost in water for a few days. The resulting liquid can be used to fertilize indoor plants. To make compost tea, add a handful of compost to a bucket of water, stir well, and let it sit for three to five days. Once it's ready, strain the liquid and use it to water your plants.
2. Eggshell Fertilizer: Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is important for plant growth. To make eggshell fertilizer, simply crush up eggshells and sprinkle them around the base of your plants.
3. Banana Peel Fertilizer: Banana peels are a good source of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. To make banana peel fertilizer, chop up banana peels and bury them in the soil around your plants.
4. Epsom Salt Fertilizer: Epsom salt is a good source of magnesium, which can help plants grow stronger and healthier. To make Epsom salt fertilizer, mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt with one gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month.

By using homemade fertilizers, you can provide your indoor plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive, while also reducing your carbon footprint and saving money. However, it's important to keep in mind that homemade fertilizers may not provide all the necessary nutrients your plants need, and they may not be as effective as commercial fertilizers. 

It's always a good idea to do your research and consult with a gardening expert to determine the best fertilization approach for your indoor plants. With the right care and attention, your indoor plants will reward you with beautiful, healthy growth all year round.