Fertilizing was the most overwhelming aspect of houseplant care for me at first.

I had no idea where to start, what fertilizing really was, whether it was necessary, or what to buy. It all seemed super overwhelming.

If you feel or have felt like that, this post is for you. It is the post that past-me needed.

What is fertilizing in the most simplistic terms?

Fertilizing is providing nutrients or vitamins to your plant that it doesn’t get from water or sunlight.

Fertilizer happens naturally in the wild. How? Through organic stuff breaking down/decaying into the soil (think poop, dead bugs, fallen leaves, etc.).

There are some nutrients in our plant’s potting soil, but they are limited and are depleted pretty quickly, which is why we supplement.

Fertilizing houseplants is a way to provide nutrients plants need without introducing poop, dead bugs, and fallen leaves into your home. Unless you want to, of course.

Which fertilizer should you use?

When you visit the fertilizer section, you’ll notice there are a LOT of options.

Just like vitamins for people, there are many specialized fertilizers designed to support specific plant types and functions.

However, just like with people, a high-quality multivitamin or general fertilizer will do the trick almost all the time.

In other words, all you need is a general houseplant or indoor fertilizer. You can ignore the rest.

Truly.

How do you use the fertilizer?

Carefully read the directions on the back of the fertilizer you chose. It will explain how much fertilizer to use and how often to use it. You can safely follow those instructions. It really is that simple.

If you want to be extra safe, you can cut back on the prescribed fertilizer dose a little (even by half) to ensure your plants do not suffer from fertilizer burn. For example, instead of using 1 tablespoon per watering, you could use 1/2 tablespoon.

However, this is unlikely to be a serious concern as long as:

• You are following the directions on the package – both in dosage and frequency.
• Your plants are in planters with drainage holes so that the salts and minerals from fertilizers will not become trapped and build up in the container (burning the roots).
• You are providing your plant with an appropriate amount of light so it can use the fertilizer and water you are giving it.

Want more in the Start Here Series? Check these out:

• You Can Learn How to Grow Houseplants. Start Here, #1
• How to easily ensure your houseplant will get enough sunlight. Start Here, #2
• How to water your new plant (and feel good about it). Start Here, #3
• Fertilizing a houseplant seems complicated, but it’s not. I’ll prove it. Start Here, #4 (You are here)
• Do you need to repot your houseplant? And if so, what then? Start Here, #5 (Available on or after 3/27)
• What about pests? What does a beginner need to know? Start Here, #6 (Coming Soon)