Anyone who is passionate about plants is aware of the importance of providing proper care to their garden.
Undeniably, enough sunshine and the right amount of water are the basics needed for healthy plant growth.
However, indoor plants require special care, and there are several steps you can take to enhance their health.
Furthermore, it is essential to use a high-quality fertilizer.
A proper fertilizer contains the three most important macronutrients your plants need- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
When purchasing fertilizer, it is essential to be cautious and select one that will not harm your plants while still promoting a thriving garden.
Read below our review of the best fertilizer for indoor plants.
Top Pick
Without a doubt, our top pick is the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant food spikes.
They’re ideal for indoor plants, filled with essential micronutrients, and will provide up to 2 months of continuous feeding.
The product offers a good ratio of essential nutrients, and it works with all flowering and foliage houseplants.
Budget Pick
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, we’d recommend Osmocote’s Smart-Release plant food.
Its great formula is enriched with 11 essential nutrients that’ll feed your plants for up to 6 months.
You can use it for both indoor and outdoor potted plants.
Quick Navigation
What is a Good Fertilizer?
When buying fertilizer for your indoor plants, be sure to read the ingredient label. It’ll give you information on the composition and instructions on how to use it.
A good fertilizer will always contain the necessary nutrients, Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus.
Additionally, ensure you check the ratio of the ingredients, which is crucial for optimal plant growth.
Always look for the N-P-K ratio, which indicates the percentage of the different nutrients in the fertilizer.
Ensure your fertilizer is organic and utilizes a high-quality nutrient source, such as nitrogen or ammonium nitrate, rather than urea nitrogen.
A fertilizer containing urea nitrogen may cause ammonium toxicity and harm your plants.
To be on the safe side, always choose quality products that might be a bit more expensive, but still provide optimal care.
What is the N-P-K Ratio?
If you’ve checked some of the fertilizers we presented in the article, you must have noticed that there are a few ratio numbers that constantly repeat, i.e., the N-P-K ratio.
The letters stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and the numbers, as 10-10-10, represent the available nutrients by weight in a particular brand of fertilizer.
How to Apply the Fertilizer?
Make sure you dilute the fertilizer before use.
For example, if the suggested amount is ½ teaspoon for one gallon of water, you can use less and dilute it to ¼ teaspoon.
Being conservative when using fertilizers is crucial because using too much can damage and burn your plants.
What Kind of Fertilizers are There?
Fertilizers come in different forms.
They can either be soluble powders or highly concentrated liquids, and gardeners recommend them as the most effective.
Experts favor soluble powders because they are cost-effective and easy to mix; however, the liquid option is also beneficial.
Whatever fertilizer you decide to buy, make sure it’s entirely water-soluble! In this way, your plant will be able to absorb all the necessary nutrients.
Depending on the composition, there are a few different types of fertilizers:
Complete Fertilizer
This type of fertilizer provides your plants with essential micronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Chemical Fertilizer
Chemical fertilizers are made with inorganic chemicals such as ammonium nitrate or magnesium sulfate.
They’re cheaper than organic fertilizers, but there’s a risk of damage due to overuse.
Foliar Fertilizer
A foliar fertilizer provides liquid nutrients that are easily absorbed through leaves, but not all of the needed nutrients are provided.
If your plants are suffering from yellow leaves due to iron deficiency, this type of fertilizer is ideal.
Organic Fertilizer
Fertilizers with organic ingredients are made from natural materials such as animal manure, leaf mold, and fish emulsion, as well as chemicals like phosphate or greensand.
These fertilizers are great for houseplants and flowers. They won’t burn your plants and will help improve their immune system.
Slow-release Fertilizer
As the name implies, these are organic fertilizers that decompose more slowly. They come in the form of capsules or shells.
Simple Fertilizers
Simple fertilizers can be either chemical or organic. They usually contain urea, ammonium sulfate, and phosphorus or superphosphate.
When to Feed the Plants?
You must be particularly attentive and careful when it comes to feeding your plants.
Different plants respond differently to their environment and conditions, so it can be challenging to determine the optimal time to feed your houseplants.
It’s challenging to determine when your plants need fertilizing, as they won’t exhibit any obvious signs of this. Instead, you need to take steps in advance and apply fertilizer on a regular schedule.
The schedule will depend on the plant’s growing cycle.
Fertilizer for Indoor Plants Review
1. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes
Highlighted Features
- Ideal for indoor plants
- Full of micronutrients
- Easy to use
- N-P-K 6-12-6
You’ll be amazed by these spike supplements!
Once you start using them, they’ll create a nurturing environment where your plants will flourish without any problems.
One of their key features is the slow release of micronutrients and nitrogen, which occurs over a period of up to 2 months.
This will provide continuous feeding for the plants, and they can be particularly efficient in reviving your dying plants.
Although the spikes can continuously provide nutrients for up to 2 months, it’s important to replace them every 30 days during the spring and summer months.
On the other hand, as soon as colder weather starts, you can replace them every 60 days.
Besides, they’re really easy to use!
All you need to do is poke a hole between the plant root stem and the rim of the pot and push the spike until it’s covered in soil.
Happy customers swear by these spikes and recommend them for both outdoor and indoor plants.
2. Jobe Organic Granular Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Jobe’s Biozome
- OMRI listed
- Improves soil condition
- Easy pour bag
You’ll absolutely love the all-purpose fertilizers by Jobe.
They’re organic and don’t contain any synthetic materials, and won’t harm the environment or your plants.
Jobe’s proprietary Biozome formula is a combination of beneficial bacteria, such as Archaea and Mycorrhizal fungi, which will promote more abundant blossoming, fruiting, and lush plants.
This blend of beneficial microorganisms will enhance soil conditions, promote root growth, and protect your plants against diseases and pests.
Moreover, the fertilizer comes in an easy-to-pour and resealable bag, so you can store the leftover product if needed.
For optimal use, reapply the fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
The only potential downside to this product is its strong odor, which may not be pleasant when used for indoor plants.
3. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food
Highlighted Features
- Stimulated with 11 essential nutrients
- Suitable for different plants
- No-burn pledge
- Affordable
Osmocote’s granular plant food is an all-in-one solution for your indoor garden, and it works well with any plant variety —vegetables, flowers, or herbs.
With just one application, your plants will be fed for the next 6 months with 11 essential nutrients.
Further, thanks to the slow-release formula, you don’t have tore-apply more fertilizer after a few weeks.
Each granule of this fertilizer is coated with a special resin that controls the release of its nutrients. In this way, your plants get what they need whenever they need it.
Moreover, the special coating allows water to penetrate the granule and dissolve the compressed nutrients.
Make sure you use the granules as instructed, otherwise you might damage and burn your plants.
It’s beneficial to know that nutrients are released based on temperature.
For instance, during warmer weather, more nutrients are released, and that’s why your plants will be blooming in summer.
4. EarthPods Premium Indoor Plant Food
Highlighted Features
- Organic plant food
- Fast & easy application
- Superior results formula
- Eco-friendly
These organic fertilizer capsules are good for all types of plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs.
Moreover, the capsules are really practical and easy to store on your kitchen shelf.
They contain concentrated organic plant food, which improves plant growth and protects against diseases.
The packaging contains 100 pre-measured pods, providing a sufficient supply for a single houseplant for up to a year.
What’s more, you’ll never need extra measuring cups or get your hands dirty.
The EarthPods plant food has a universal formula that replicates the composition of robust forest earth with natural plant nutrients, growth hormones, minerals, bacteria, and fungi.
Since all the ingredients come from organic sources, the capsules are eco-friendly, and the packaging is made from recycled paperboard.
5. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food
Highlighted Features
- Feed every 1-2 weeks
- Suitable for different plants
- Water-soluble
- No-burn guarantee
If you’re into growing beautiful plants, then this Miracle-Gro product is perfect for you.
The fertilizer consists of granules that dissolve in water, which you use to moisten the soil of your indoor plants.
Combined with other elements, such as water and sunlight, this fertilizer will do wonders for your plants and won’t damage them if used according to the instructions.
For easy use, the product comes with a measurement spoon, allowing you to dose just the right amount of fertilizer for your plants.
Ideally, apply the fertilizer every one to two weeks for optimal results.
Happy gardeners who have used Miracle-Gro for years confirm that they find this product beneficial for their indoor plants.
6. Indoor Plant Liquid Fertilizer by Aquatic Arts
Highlighted Features
- 100% natural
- Stimulates sturdy growth
- Good for indoor plants
- Gentle on your plants
Many people use indoor plants as decorative elements in their office or apartment spaces.
To have them bloom and look their best, you need to take good care of them.
The Aquatic Arts liquid fertilizer will help you achieve this. You can use the product for any type of plant, including poinsettias, African violets, cacti, orchids, and gerbera daisies.
Its formula works faster than other fertilizers, stimulating healthy growth and effectively preventing wilting.
It’s good to know that potted plants need extra nutrients in order to grow healthier.
Moreover, the stems of the plants will grow faster with the help of potassium. You need to use 1 teaspoon of this liquid fertilizer and dissolve it in 2 cups of water.
This mixture will provide your indoor plants with the needed vitamins, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Depending on the number of houseplants you have, the 8-oz. bottle will last you for up to 1 year.
One bottle of this product can yield great results, protecting the plant from rot and giving it a fresh, vibrant color.
7. Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food
Highlighted Features
- Contains major plant nutrients
- Ideal for all house plants
- Organic ingredients
- Easy to use
The organic plant food by Espoma has a special formula that contains organic ingredients and all the necessary plant nutrients.
It comes in an 8-oz. package concentrate bottle and features an innovative cap for easy dosage. You’ll be able to pour the right amount every time without any mess.
Ideally, you should use the fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks. Ensure you shake the mixture well before use, mix it with water, and thoroughly soak the plant’s soil.
Your plants will love this product, and you’ll see them flourish in no time.
Gardeners appreciate this product due to its high-quality formula and user-friendly bottle.
Moreover, you’ll enjoy the natural vibe, greenery, and warm atmosphere that your plants will spread.
8. Jack’s Classic All-Purpose Fertilizer by JR Peters
Highlighted Features
- Measuring spoon included
- No burning
- Enhanced micronutrient package
- Easy use
J.R. Peters’s all-purpose fertilizer will keep your plants strong and healthy. It gradually releases the enhanced nutrients for a period of up to 4 months.
This water-soluble product is carefully formulated to help your plants develop strong roots, leaves, and stems.
Moreover, the product features the highest safety factor in protecting your plants from burning.
All you need to do is follow the instructions in the manual. For easy and precise application, the manufacturer also includes a free measuring spoon.
The fertilizer is designed for use on all foliage and flowering plants, including ficus, pothos, philodendrons, palms, spider plants, and others.
You can use this product in two ways. The first option is to dissolve it in water for regular use or to use it in a more concentrated form over a few months.
The fertilizer can be used as either a leaf spray or applied to the roots. In any case, you’ll get effective treatment for plants.
9. Bloomingo Indoor Houseplant Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Fast results
- Time-saving
- All-purpose
- Safe and trustworthy
Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or a beginner gardener, the Bloomingo all-purpose fertilizer will satisfy all your plants’ needs.
The proven 9-18-9 liquid mix will enhance leaf growth, promote blossoming, prevent plant wilting, and improve their overall condition.
Since it has straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to follow and apply them to your plants without any issues.
This product is water-soluble and easy to prepare, so you won’t spend a lot of time dealing with it.
Additionally, the unique measuring cap will make mixing hassle-free and enjoyable.
Its versatile formula allows you to use the fertilizer on a variety of plants, resulting in healthier leaves and a more robust root structure.
Moreover, it’s a high-quality American product made with gentle ingredients that won’t harm your indoor plants.
10. Indoor Plant Fertilizer by TUKNON
Highlighted Features
- Versatile formula
- Easy to use
- Ideal for most houseplants
- Stimulates healthy growth
TUKNON’s liquid formula is suitable for all types of plants. This organic fertilizer is extremely versatile and can be used for vegetables, tomatoes, and indoor plants.
It promotes healthy plant growth and is extremely easy to use. Dissolve it in water using the included easy-measure cap.
Moreover, it gives a perfect balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic natural Norwegian seaweed extract to promote vibrant plant growth.
Your indoor plants will love this product. Additionally, it can prevent potential wilting, enhance plant health, and promote flower blossoming.
Once you start using this product, your plants will have brighter green leaves, healthy roots, and strong stems.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, we’d like to emphasize that you should never confuse fertilizing with feeding.
Plants get their energy, i.e., food, from sunlight, and fertilizers are just used to provide additional nutrients.
Thus, the combination of proper feeding and fertilizing is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor garden.
As outlined in the article, various types of fertilizers are available on the market. To make your shopping easier, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the top 10 fertilizers for indoor plants.
Choosing the right one for your indoor plants is vital because it’ll improve your plant’s growth, blossoming, and overall health.
If you’re still undecided about which direction to take, but ready to invest in your indoor garden, we recommend our top pick: Miracle-Gro food spikes.
They’re specifically designed for indoor plants and provide all the essential nutrients.
However, if you’re working with a smaller budget and need a more affordable option, then consider Osmocote’s smart-release plant food.
The smart release formula will provide your plants with continuous fertilizing in the next 6 months.
Happy gardening!