Nutrition for your plants

• Posted on 5 March 2025
• By Annelies
• 0

Nutrition for your plants: what types are there and when do you give it?
Unlike the plants in your garden, houseplants need more nutrition to grow well. But when is the best time to do that? And which type of plant food do you choose?

Houseplants need food to grow, but too much is harmful to the plants. Therefore, if in doubt, do not give plant food or at least less than stated on the packaging.

Why feed?

Feeding your houseplants regularly will provide them with all the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and strong. The most important are:

- Nitrogen (promotes leaf growth)

- Phosphorus (stimulates root growth)

- Potassium (promotes flowering)

The plants in your garden generally need less nutrition, because they can search for nutrients in the soil with their roots.

When to feed?

Provide plants with nutrients during the growing period. This is from March to October. If you have just purchased or repotted a plant, it is best to wait 2 months before fertilizing, because there are sufficient nutrients in the fresh potting soil.

How much and how often a plant needs nutrition depends on:

- The type and size of your houseplant

- The location (the further from the window, the slower the plant grows and the less quickly it absorbs nutrients)

- The flowering period (producing flowers takes a lot of energy)

- He suffers from pests or diseases

Tip: Do not feed your plant if it is affected by fungi or pests. First remove all unwanted pests and then give the plant extra nutrition to recover.

Types of food

Plant food comes in different forms. So you have liquid food and solid food. My preference is liquid plant food.

- Liquid nutrition: With liquid plant nutrition, all you have to do is pour the right amount into the cap and then mix it with the water. Always follow the instructions on the package and if in doubt, give less than the stated amount. Too much nutrition can damage your plants.

- Solid food: Granules are slightly cheaper and can be mixed with potting soil. The disadvantage is that you know less accurately exactly how much nutrition your plant is receiving, because as soon as you water your plants, the granules release all their nutrients.

Tip: You can opt for universal plant food or view an extensive range per plant species. There is food specifically for orchids, patio & balcony plants, flowering plants and so on. Preferably choose a quality brand, because extra nutrients are often added because they are beneficial for your plants.