When and How to Fertilize My Houseplants?
When and How to Fertilize My Houseplants?
Fertilizing is a hot topic among plant parents. When should you fertilize? What kind should you use? How much is too much? We want to help you figure out the best plan for your plants. Continue reading for some great insight into the fertilizer space.
When Should You Fertilize Your Houseplant?
When you’re a plant parent, you want to do everything right. It makes sense that you want to know how to fertilize your houseplants with an indoor plant fertilizer. Can you have too much of a good thing? Is there a special kind of plant fertilizer you need?
We checked in with one of our growers to get some answers and set you up for success, so you’ll know how to fertilize indoor plants.
First, you should know that plants respond better to fertilizer during active times of growth. That means spring and summer are great times to add fertilizer. Colder, darker months during fall and winter tend to slow the growth of your plants, meaning they’ll begin to sprout again once it warms up and the sun returns.
How To Fertilize Your Houseplant?
Plants need minerals and other elements found in their soil. Fertilizer can be used to provide these nutrients in a pellet or liquid form. While you don’t need to fertilize, it’s definitely helpful in encouraging more growth in your plants.
Our grower says, “Just as humans need to eat, plants require different elements found in fertilizers and water to stay healthy and vital.”
We recommend finding a fertilizer that can work for many of your houseplants so you can use the same one around the house. Time-release usually has a recommendation for the pot size of your plants. Water-soluble fertilizer will give you a recommendation for the amount of water needed when mixing.
There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all fertilizer, so you should pick whatever works best for you to give your plants.
What Are Signs I Need to Fertilize?
Your houseplant leaves the greenhouse with nutrient-rich soil and will absorb minerals from the soil when you water. But sometimes your plant will show signs of a nutrient deficiency that requires fertilizer to correct.
Our grower says that chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves indicates a nutrient deficiency and is a great way to know it may be time to fertilize.
What’s the Best Houseplant Fertilizer?
Like we said above, there’s not one single answer, because each plant will have different requirements. You should purchase the fertilizer that works best for your watering habits and plants.
If you aren’t sure where to start, head to your local garden center and they can help you find the right blend of fertilizer for your plant. We recommend diluting to ¼ or ½ strength to reduce the risk of burning. A little will go a long way!
Also, make sure you skip watering during the weeks you fertilize, your plant simply doesn’t need that much water.
There are three common options to choose from: slow-release, water-soluble and liquid.
Slow release is just as its name suggests, it takes time to release its nutrients into your plant. Water-soluble is similar to salt or sugar and dissolves once mixed with water. We recommend watering it down more than the label to not overdo it on your plant. Liquid is a pre-mixed solution that is basically ready to use.
Reach Out with Questions
We hope these tips helped you understand how to fertilize indoor plants. If you think your plant needs fertilizer, send us a photo on Instagram @wild_interiors or email info@wildinteriors.com for a recommendation on what to do next.