When to Feed House Plants

Hi Tom,

There are three major nutrients plant food provides: nitrogen for the leaves; phosphorus to stimulate root growth, and potassium to help plants bloom.

Although different plants require different types of plant food in different amounts and in different strengths, there are a few general rules that you should follow for most house plants.

Use liquid and slow release plant food for houseplants.

Never feed a plant when the soil is very dry, it burns the roots.

Feed plants sparingly or not at all during the fall and winter when they are dormant or resting.

Feed plants during the spring and summer when they are actively producing new leaves.

Feed flowering plants after they have finished blooming.

Too much plant food is worse than not enough plant food. Excess food that is not absorbed builds up in the soil and causes brown leaf tips. I usually recommend diluting fertilizer to 1/2 the recommended strength. With ferns it should be 1/4 the recommended strength.

Certain plants like Gardenias and Prayer plants are acid loving plants and like an acidic plant food. Blooming plants like Orchids and African violets have specific fertilizers made for their specific needs. Look up your plants in the Popular Houseplant section of the website. You will find specific instructions on what kind of plant food to use and how often to use it.