Adding indoor plants to your home or office instills a sense of peace and beauty that surpasses any human creation. However, their beauty and health rely on more than just their placement and watering schedule to maintain their lush appearance. Proper fertilisation, an important yet often overlooked aspect of houseplant care, can make the difference between plants that thrive and those that merely survive. Just as we need a balanced diet, indoor plants require specific nutrients to develop strong roots, vibrant foliage, and healthy blooms.

Choosing the right fertiliser can feel overwhelming with a variety of options available. So when it comes to proper care, understanding your plants' needs and selecting appropriate nutrients is essential for maintaining their health and preventing common issues like yellowing leaves or stunted growth. That's why we've carefully curated Plantify's selection of trusted fertilisers, each chosen to meet the diverse needs of different houseplants and ensure your indoor oasis flourishes year-round. So let’s look at what fertilisers do and how our selection will benefit you.

What are the Ingredients of Plant fertilisers?

Think of fertilisers as the ultimate immune-boosting multivitamin for your houseplants, delivering a whammy of essential nutrients to your plants that may be lacking in their potting soil. There are three primary nutrients that make up fertilisers, commonly displayed as a N-P-K ratios (eg: 10-10-10) on the packaging, each playing a vital role in your plant's health:

• Nitrogen (N) is the main element behind vibrant, green growth. It's essential for developing strong stems and lush foliage, making it particularly important for leafy plants like Delicious Monsters, Pothos, and all types of Philodendrons.

• Phosphorus (P) fuels root development and flowering. This nutrient is crucial for plants like Orchids, Peace Lilies, and African Violets that need extra support during their blooming phase.

• Potassium (K) functions as your plant's defence system, strengthening overall health and disease resistance. It helps plants manage stress and supports essential functions like water regulation.
  

Beyond these primary nutrients, plants require secondary macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulphur) and trace elements (iron, manganese, and zinc) in smaller quantities. While needed in tiny amounts, these additional nutrients are crucial for photosynthesis, enzyme production, and overall plant vitality. So when looking at the ingredients in a fertiliser, make sure it has some of these essentials to be sure you have a well-rounded nutrient pack.

For more information on fertilising and understanding what the ratio means, check out Houseplant Fertilising Basics.

Choosing the right House Plant Fertiliser

We've carefully selected a premium range of fertilisers to make nurturing your indoor jungle effortless. Each product in our collection has been chosen for its proven results and ease of use, ensuring your plants get exactly what they need to thrive. Discover our handpicked selection below, where we break down the unique benefits of each fertiliser and help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and houseplants

Kelpak (Natural Seaweed Fertiliser)

• Specifications: Derived from Ecklonia maxima (South African kelp), rich in natural growth stimulants.

• Benefits: Promotes root development, improves stress resistance, and enhances overall growth. Eco-friendly.

• Usage: Ideal for helping plants recover from stress.

• Why we love it: We love Kelpak because it's odourless, easy to use, and helps plants recover faster from stress while naturally boosting root and shoot growth—plus, it's sustainably sourced from South African kelp and perfect for regular houseplant feeding.

• Type of Feed: Liquid and can be used as a soil drench or foliar spray. 

• How to Use: Dilute Kelpak according to the instructions on the bottle. Use as a foliar spray or soil drench during regular watering. Apply every 2 - 4 weeks for optimal growth and stress recovery. Avoid overuse, as a little goes a long way!Liquid and can be used as a soil drench or foliar spray. 

If in stock, shop for Kelpak here.

Seabrix (Biostimulant)

• Specifications: Contains beneficial microbes and organic material.

• Benefits: Enhances soil structure, boosts plant vibrancy, and supports nutrient uptake; eco-friendly.

• Usage: Perfect for rejuvenating tired soils indoors and out.

• Why we love it: We love Seabrix because it enriches soil with beneficial microbes, improves structure, and enhances nutrient uptake, making it perfect for revitalising tired soils and promoting healthier, more resilient plants.

• Type of feed: Liquid and can be used as a soil drench or foliar spray. 

• How to use: Dilute Seabrix according to the instructions on the label. Apply as a soil drench to rejuvenate tired soils or use as a foliar spray to boost plant resilience. For best results, apply every 2 - 3 weeks, ensuring even coverage.

If in stock, Shop Seabrix here.

Biotrissol (Organic Liquid Fertiliser)

• Specifications: Rich in plant-based nutrients, gentle on plants.

• Benefits: Ideal for sustained, healthy growth; eco-friendly.

• Usage: Excellent for regular feeding schedules, especially for large leafy plants, though it can be used on Cacti and succulents when diluted by half.

• Type of feed: This is a liquid feed that can be used as a soil drench or foliar spray.
  Why we love it: We love Biotrissol because it's a gentle, plant-based liquid fertiliser that supports healthy, sustained growth while being eco-friendly and perfect for a variety of plants, including large leafy ones and even cacti and succulents when diluted.

• How to use: Dilute Biotrissol according to the instructions on the bottle. Apply as a soil drench or foliar spray every 2–3 weeks to promote steady growth. For cacti and succulents, dilute the solution by half to avoid overfeeding.

If in stock, Shop Biotrissol here.

Bio Ocean All Purpose (Slow Release Fertiliser)

• Specifications: A seaweed-based fertiliser that combines organic nutrients and slow-release minerals, offering the same benefits as other seaweed-based fertilisers, such as improved soil structure and enhanced nutrient uptake.

• Benefits: Provides long-lasting nourishment for potted plants, reduces the need for frequent applications, helps maintain consistent feeding routines, and promotes healthy, steady growth. Eco-friendly.

• Type of feed: Granular slow-release feed.

• Why we love it: We love Bioocean because it's low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and provides steady nourishment to potted plants, making it a perfect solution for those who struggle to stick to a regular feeding schedule.

•  How to use: Sprinkle Bioocean evenly over the soil surface and gently work it into the top layer. Water well after application. Reapply every 3–6 months for sustained, healthy growth.

If in stock,  Shop Bio Ocean here.

Nutristix (Compact Fertiliser Sticks)

• Specifications: Pre-measured sticks for convenient, mess-free application.

• Benefits: Ideal for busy plant parents, Nutristix delivers balanced nutrition over time, making it easy to care for plants without the hassle of measuring or mess.

• Type of feed: Slow-release, solid fertiliser sticks.

• Why we love it: We love Nutristix because they're simple to use, mess-free, and provide steady, balanced nourishment to plants, perfect for those with a busy lifestyle or a lot of plants to care for.

• How to use: Insert the amount of sticks recommended on the back of the Nutristix box into the soil near the root zone of your plant. Water as usual and let the sticks release nutrients gradually over time. Reapply every 1–2 months for ongoing plant care.

If in stock, Shop Nutristix here.

Guanoboost (Organic Guano Fertiliser)

• Specifications: A premium Fertiliser derived from 100% organic bat guano, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, essential for promoting lush greenery and vibrant blooms. 

• Benefits:

• Ready to use Liquid Guanoboost: Ideal for quick absorption and immediate results, particularly for plants showing signs of nutrient deficiencies. Perfect for houseplants and container gardens.

• Granulated Guanoboost: A long-lasting, slow-release option that enriches the soil over time, reducing the need for frequent applications. Best suited for outdoor planters and garden beds.

• Encourages robust root development, ensuring strong, healthy plants.

• Eco-friendly and sustainably sourced, making it safe for the environment.

• Type of Feed: Available in both liquid and granulated forms to suit diverse plant care routines

• Why we love it: We love Guanoboost because it's derived from 100% organic bat guano, providing essential nitrogen and phosphorus for vibrant blooms and lush greenery. It’s eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, and offers both fast-acting liquid and long-lasting granulated options, making it versatile and perfect for a variety of plants and care appetites.

• How to use:

• Liquid Form: Ready to use as a foliar spray—no dilution necessary. Simply apply during regular watering for a quick nutrient boost. Ideal for plants in need of instant nourishment.

• Granulated Form: Sprinkle onto the soil surface and water thoroughly to activate the nutrients. Ideal for monthly feeding.

• Suitable for flowering plants, leafy greens, and houseplants needing extra care during growth or blooming phases

If in stock, Shop Guanoboost here.

7. Phyta Tonic (All-in-One Tonic)

• Specifications: A unique formula combining minerals, seaweed extracts, and trace elements, including a copper-based component for enhanced plant health.

• Benefits:

• Strengthens plant immunity, helping to fend off fungal and bacterial infections.

• Copper-based elements support enzyme functions and chlorophyll production, contributing to vibrant, healthy foliage.

• Ideal for stressed or recovering plants, promoting resilience against environmental changes.

• Type of feed: Liquid tonic that can be used as a foliar spray or soil drench.

• Why we love it: We love Phyta Tonic because it provides comprehensive support for plant health, strengthening immunity and promoting vibrant foliage. Its unique blend of minerals and seaweed extracts makes it ideal for stressed plants, helping them recover and thrive.

• How to use: Dilute as directed and apply every few weeks to maintain plant health. Use as a foliar spray or soil drench, depending on your plant's needs. Perfect for indoor plants susceptible to stress or pests, such as ferns, fiddle leaf figs, and philodendrons.

If in stock, Shop Phyta Tonic here.

Signs of Over-Fertilisation

While fertilising is essential for healthy plant growth, too much of a good thing can lead to problems. Over-fertilising can cause nutrient imbalances, root damage, and overall plant stress. Look out for these common signs:

• Yellowing or browning leaf tip: A classic sign of fertiliser burn caused by excess salts in the soil.
• Crispy or scorched leaves: Leaves may appear dry or burnt, especially along the edges. Be sure to rule out underwatering and sunburn if this occurs.
• Stunted or leggy growth: Instead of promoting healthy growth, too much fertiliser can weaken plants.
• White crust on soil surface: A build-up of fertiliser salts can appear on top of the soil or the edges of pots.
• Wilting despite moist soil: Over-fertilisation can damage roots, making it harder for the plant to take up water.
• Leaf drop: Plants may shed leaves due to nutrient stress.

If you notice these symptoms and fertilise regularly, then flush the soil with spring or distilled water to remove excess salts and pause fertilisation until your plant recovers.

In Conclusion

Fertilising your houseplants is an essential step in ensuring they thrive, not just survive. Choosing the right fertiliser depends on the specific needs of your plants and your care routine. Whether you prefer a liquid feed like Kelpak for regular growth support, the long-lasting benefits of Bio Ocean’s slow-release formula, or the convenience of Nutristix for a busy lifestyle, we at Plantify offer a diverse range of fertilisers to meet all your plant care needs.

From boosting plant immunity with Phyta Tonic to enhancing soil health with Seabrix, our curated selection ensures your plants receive the proper nutrients to grow healthy and vibrant year-round. Explore our range today and give your indoor jungle the care it deserves, helping them flourish with ease and confidence.