3 Easy Ways to Fertilize Your Houseplants

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com. We teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today we’re going to talk about three really easy ways to fertilize your houseplants. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate, which you can find down below in the description.

Fertilizing your houseplants—it’s something you probably know you need to do. You likely think about fertilizing, try to get around to it, and when you finally do, there are so many options that it feels overwhelming. I’m going to break it down and make it easier for you.

First of all, I like to use organic products when fertilizing. One of the main reasons, which I actually talk about in my book Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, is that chemical fertilizers can be problematic. I had a grower tell me once—off the record at the time—when I was writing for the LA Times garden section, that growers often refer to chemical fertilizers as “steroids for plants.” What happens is that plants get hooked on chemical fertilizers. Unless you continue fertilizing them on a strict schedule, they won’t do well. The great thing about organic fertilizing is that it’s sustainable. When you feed the soil with organic fertilizers, the soil, in turn, is able to feed the plants. It’s a really nice cycle.

There are three main ways to fertilize your houseplants. The first method is using granular fertilizer, the second is mixing fertilizer in water, and the third is using foliar fertilizers.

Let’s start with the good old granular fertilizer. Many of you may already have it, and you might have seen this fertilizer on my website. It’s actually my formulation, which I’ve used for many years with great success. When using granular fertilizer, you’ll often be told to sprinkle it on top of the soil and work it in. But this approach has a few problems. First, it doesn’t get the nutrients to the plant’s root zone, where they’re needed most. Second, it can wash away when you water. Lastly, it takes a long time for the nutrients to make their way down to the roots.

A lot of organic fertilizers today contain mycorrhizae, which is a beneficial fungus that attaches to plant roots. It helps the plant by collecting more water and nutrients in exchange for living on the roots. This symbiotic relationship helps plants grow better. But for the mycorrhizae to work, they need to reach the root zone.

I’ve come up with a simple solution for applying granular fertilizers more effectively. Use a wooden dowel to poke holes into the soil. The dowel comes with my fertilizer product, and you want to create several holes about an inch to an inch and a half deep, depending on the depth of your pot. For deeper pots, make deeper holes; for smaller pots, go a bit shallower. Then, place a small amount of fertilizer into each hole, cover it up, and move on to the next hole. Typically, you’ll want to use about two tablespoons of fertilizer per square inch of soil.

It’s important to pre-water the plant before adding the fertilizer. Once you’ve applied the fertilizer, water the plant again using clean water to activate the nutrients and the mycorrhizae. This method gets the fertilizer down to the root zone, where it will do the most good. Also, organic fertilizers won’t burn the roots, so you don’t have to worry about using a bit extra.

Now let’s move on to liquid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are pretty straightforward. You mix the fertilizer with water according to the package instructions. It’s important to follow the directions carefully, especially with liquid fertilizers, to avoid over-fertilizing. Organic fertilizers are forgiving, but it’s still a good idea not to overdo it.

When using liquid fertilizers, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil until water comes out of the drainage holes. Always use lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots and cause damage, especially in the winter months. If you really love your plants, like I do, you might even warm the water a little in the microwave.

The third method is foliar feeding, which I absolutely love. Foliar feeding gives your plants a quick boost, making them green up within a week. This method is especially useful for plants that are showing signs of nutrient deficiency, such as chlorosis (yellowing from lack of iron) or other nutrient imbalances.

To foliar feed, you can either use a liquid fertilizer or make a tea from a granular fertilizer by steeping it in water for about a week. Once you have your fertilizer solution, put it in a spray bottle that creates a fine mist. Spray the fertilizer onto the leaves, ensuring it covers both the top and bottom surfaces. The stomata (tiny pores) on the leaves will absorb the fertilizer quickly, allowing the nutrients to enter the plant system much faster than through the roots.

When foliar feeding, it’s important to add a surfactant to the spray. A surfactant helps the fertilizer stick to the leaves instead of running off. If you’re concerned about how a delicate plant might react to foliar feeding, test a small area of the plant first to make sure there’s no adverse reaction.

Foliar feeding is also a great option if you’re short on time. It’s a quick way to give your plants a nutrient boost, and it can be done as often as every six to eight weeks, depending on your plants’ needs. Organic fertilizers allow for longer intervals between feedings because they create a self-sustaining cycle.

That’s it for today on fertilizing your plants. Please leave comments about any other indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing Houseplants

What are the main ways to fertilize houseplants?

There are three main ways to fertilize houseplants: using granular fertilizer, mixing fertilizer in water (liquid fertilizer), and foliar feeding (spraying fertilizer on the leaves).

Why is organic fertilizer better than chemical fertilizer?

Organic fertilizers create a sustainable cycle by feeding the soil, which in turn nourishes the plants. Chemical fertilizers can be like “steroids for plants,” meaning plants can become dependent on them and fail to thrive without constant application. Organic fertilizers are more natural and help maintain soil health.

How do you apply granular fertilizer effectively?

To apply granular fertilizer effectively, use a wooden dowel to poke holes about an inch to an inch and a half deep in the soil. Place the fertilizer into each hole, cover it, and water the plant. This ensures the nutrients reach the plant’s root zone, where they’re needed most.

How much granular fertilizer should I use?

You should use approximately two tablespoons of fertilizer per square inch of soil. It’s important to pre-water the plant and then water it again after applying the fertilizer to activate the nutrients.

How do you use liquid fertilizer for houseplants?

Mix the liquid fertilizer with water according to the package instructions. Make sure to thoroughly soak the soil until water comes out of the drainage holes, and always use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.

How often should I use liquid fertilizer?

Depending on the type of plant and fertilizer, you can apply liquid fertilizer every six to eight weeks. Organic fertilizers are more forgiving, allowing longer intervals between feedings.

What is foliar feeding and how do you do it?

Foliar feeding involves spraying a fertilizer solution directly onto the leaves of your plant. This method allows the plant to absorb nutrients quickly through its stomata (leaf pores). Use a fine mist spray and cover both the top and bottom of the leaves. Adding a surfactant helps the fertilizer stick to the leaves.

How often should I foliar feed my plants?

Foliar feeding can be done every six to eight weeks, depending on the plant’s needs. It provides a quick nutrient boost and is especially useful if your plant is showing signs of nutrient deficiency.

Can I use foliar feeding for delicate plants?

Yes, but it’s best to test a small area of the plant first to ensure there’s no adverse reaction. If the plant responds well, you can safely foliar feed the entire plant.

Is it necessary to add a surfactant to the foliar fertilizer spray?

Yes, adding a surfactant helps the fertilizer stick to the leaves and ensures the nutrients are absorbed rather than running off.

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