11/02/2026
🌱 HOUSEPLANT FERTILIZER 101: Does your plant need to eat?
Think of sunlight as the energy that helps your plant make its food, and fertilizer as a way to provide the nutrients it needs to grow.
Even when your plants are sitting in fresh potting mix, those nutrients don't last forever. Every time your plant grows, it uses nutrients, and watering can gradually wash some of them out of the pot.
That's where fertilizer comes in!
🌿 Why fertilize?
- Supports healthy new growth
- Helps maintain strong roots and foliage
- Replaces nutrients that become depleted over time
- Supports overall plant development
- Supports bigger growth
🌿 Does every plant need fertilizer?
Most houseplants benefit from occasional feeding during active growth, but not every plant needs the same amount. Some are heavier feeders, while others prefer a lighter hand.
🌿 When should you fertilize?
Generally, plants need more nutrients when they're actively growing. For many houseplants, that means spring and summer. Growth often slows during fall and winter, especially when light levels drop. This doesn't necessarily hold true if you use grow lights year round.
Remember: fertilizer is meant to supplement good plant care, not replace it. The right lighting, watering, soil, and growing conditions still come first!
Stay tuned for the next post, where we'll break down those three numbers on your fertilizer bottle.
