Plant Food For Houseplants Buying Guide
Introduction
Whether you're a proud plant parent, a dedicated collector, or someone turning their home into a lush indoor jungle, feeding your plants is just as important as watering them. In this guide, we’ll help you understand what makes a great plant food, who it’s for, and what to look for when choosing the right nutrients. Let’s dig in!
What is Plant Food?
Plant food (also called fertiliser) is a blend of essential nutrients that helps houseplants grow stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. Unlike soil alone, plant food provides targeted nutrition to support new growth, lush foliage, and for some plants flowering. From balanced liquid fertilizers to slow-release formulas, the right plant food can transform a struggling plant into a thriving centerpiece.
Who Should Buy Plant Food?
Plant Lovers Struggling to Grow Plants Happily
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Who they are: Houseplant owners whose plants just don’t seem to thrive, even with good soil and regular watering. While Premium Soil is the basis, good plant food is also highly important.
- Why they need it: Proper nutrients help boost root health, promote stronger stems, and encourage lush, steady growth.
Plant Lovers Who Notice Slower Growth, Even in the Growing Season
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Who they are: Plant parents frustrated that their plants don’t put out new leaves or grow taller in spring and summer. Check out our Orchid Plant Food collection for flowering plants. Combines great with Orchid Soil.
- Why they need it: A regular feeding routine supplies the energy plants need to take full advantage of the active growing season.
Plant Lovers Noticing Dull Leaves or Lack of Flowers
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Who they are: Owners of flowering or foliage plants that show less vibrant leaves or refuse to bloom. Do note that lack of blooming can come from a lot of factors, and it isn’t always a bad sign!
- Why they need it: Discoloration and reduced flowering are often signs of nutrient deficiencies that plant food can correct.
Busy Plant Parents Who Forget to Fertilize
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Who they are: People who love their plants but struggle to remember feeding schedules.
- Why they need it: Easy-to-use slow-release or pre-measured liquid formulas make feeding simple and stress-free.
Eco-Conscious Plant Lovers
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Who they are: Sustainability-minded owners who want to minimize environmental impact. Our Organic Plant Food Collection is perfect for these.
- Why they need it: Organic or bio-based plant foods support healthy growth without harming the planet.
What to Consider When Buying Plant Food
Below are a set of features to consider when buying plant food.
|
Feature |
What It Means |
Why It Matters |
|
Organic Fertilizer |
Made from natural sources (compost, worm castings, algae, lava gravel). |
Supports soil life, eco-friendly, reduces risk of chemical buildup. |
|
Synthetic Fertilizer |
Industrially produced, concentrated nutrient formulas. |
Precise, strong, and consistent results. Higher risk of nutrient and salt buildup. |
|
Season-Adjusting? |
Some slow-release fertilisers adjust how much nutrients they give to the plant based on temperature. |
More nutrients in summer, when temperatures are higher and plants get more sunlight. |
|
High-Phosphorus |
More phosphorus (P) relative to N and K. |
Supports strong root growth and better flowering. Ideal for flower-heavy plants. |
|
High-Nitrogen |
Higher nitrogen content. |
Boosts leafy growth, ideal for foliage-heavy plants. |
|
Trace Elements |
Extra minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium. |
Prevents hidden deficiencies and improves overall vitality. See it as a multivitamin for plants. |
|
Ready-To-Use Formulas |
Pre-diluted, no mixing required. |
Saves time, reduces error and are beginner-friendly. |
|
Custom Blends |
Formulated for specific plant types (e.g., orchids, cacti). Combines great with specific soil like Cacti Soil. |
Targets plant-specific needs for optimal results. |
|
Bio-Stimulant Additives |
Includes substances or microorganisms that promote growth. |
Enhances stress resistance and encourages faster recovery. |
|
Vegan Formulas |
Free from animal-derived ingredients. |
Suitable for plant parents with vegan or ethical preferences. |
What Type of Plant Food for Houseplants Exists?
|
Plant Food Type |
What It Means |
What Its Suited For |
|
Liquid Natural |
Natural liquid fertilizers used during watering, based on organic sources. |
Ideal for bioactive soils; supports soil microbes and long-term health. |
|
Liquid Mineral |
Mineral (synthetic) liquid fertilizers used during watering. |
Best for semi-hydro setups and mineral substrates; fast and precise nutrient delivery. |
|
Slow-Release Natural |
Organic-based slow-release fertilizers. |
Perfect for bioactive soils; low-maintenance and steady feeding. |
|
Slow-Release Mineral |
Mineral pellets, granules or sticks that release nutrients over time. |
Suited for semi-hydro or mineral substrates; supports gradual nutrition without frequent dosing. |
|
Foliar Spray |
Nutrients applied directly to leaves, absorbed quickly. |
Useful for quick nutrient boost or as a supplement when root uptake is limited. |
Best Plant Food for Houseplants
The best plant food depends on your plant type, growth goals, and plant-lifestyle. Look for balanced NPK ratios (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), added trace elements, and options that match your feeding style — liquid for quick effects, slow-release for low-maintenance, or organic for eco conscious care.
Choosing the right plant food is one of the most powerful ways to boost plant health and enjoyment. By understanding your plant’s nutritional needs, you’ll help it thrive and show off its best self.
Whether you’re growing a leafy Monstera, a flowering orchid, or a collection of succulents, there’s a perfect plant food for you.
Ready to feed your plants like a pro? Explore our Plant Food collection or use our Plant finder tool to match your plants with the best nutrients. Happy growing!
Best Liquid Fertilizers for Houseplants
1. SYBASoil BIO Liquid Fertilizer
- Best For: Organic growers who want full transparency and sustainabilit
- Why We Love It: Organic, fully vegan, and made in a social workplace. Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, same-day EU shipping, and feeds up to 400L per liter.
- Price per Liter (based on 500 ml bottle): €29,98 💰
2. Biobizz Bio-Grow
- Best For: Cannabis growers who prefer classic organic brands
- Why We Love It: Well-known in the organic community and based on Dutch sugar beet vinasse. Available in multiple sizes and certified by Control Union.
- Price per Liter (based on 500 ml bottle): €37,90 💰💰
3. Liquid Gold Leaf Indoor
- Best For: Large-scale feeding with high dilution ratios
- Why We Love It: Very concentrated formula, but ingredient sourcing remains unclear. Product quality varies depending on the reseller.
- Price per Liter (based on 500 ml bottle): €49,90 💰💰💰
