Fertilizing Houseplants
During the growing season, fertilize houseplants once a month to give the proper nutrients it needs for overall plant development. The numbers on fertilizers outline the proportions of nutrients each contains, aka the Analysis. It’s easier to remember the benefits of “N-P-K” by thinking “up-down-all around”.
FERTILIZER ANALYSIS
N-P-K = 0-0-0
Nitrogen (N) - (up) helps add to a leaf’s color, nurturing the foliage and upper part of the plant
Phosphoric Acid (P) - (down) helps for a healthy root system
Potassium (K) - (all around) helps strengthen the plant’s stems and provides for a faster growth, also helps plants be more resilient against environmental factors
My Routine
I incorporate fertilizer into my watering routine once a month during the growing season, April through Late October. Depending on the plant type, I’ll add a dropper of all-purpose fertilizer into my watering can for general houseplants, such as my tropicals, or a dropper of cactus fertilizer for cactus/succulent. My trusted fertilizer brand, Schultz, is linked below.
General Guide
Whether using liquid solution or dry food, always follow the instructions listed on the packaging.
All Purpose solution: 10-15-10
Cactus and Succulent: 2-7-7
When in doubt - don’t fertilize! If your plant is hanging by a thread, avoid fertilizing. There are underlying issues that need to be addressed before fertilizing.
Products
I use Schultz brand for fertilizer. I use their all purpose fertilizer for my common houseplants, like my tropical plants such as my philodendrons, monsteras, pothos, calatheas, and their Cactus fertilizer for cactus and succulents.
Schultz All-Purpose Fertilizer
(10 - 15 - 10)
Schultz Cactus and Succulent Fertilizer
(2 - 7 - 7)
