How To Make Your Best Homemade Fertilizer for Indoor Plants
Do you want to bring an aesthetic look to your home? Then, indoor plants are an excellent way! It will bring nature and improve air quality to your home. However, proper care is crucial for a healthy indoor plant. Fertilizers supply necessary nutrients at a very low cost. Store-bought fertilizers are expensive and contain chemicals. As a result, many plant lovers are turning to homemade fertilizers, which are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and made from everyday household items.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best homemade fertilizers for indoor plants, including options that don’t require water, DIY air plant fertilizers, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these solutions will help you nourish your houseplants naturally.
Why Use Homemade Fertilizer for Indoor Plants?
Homemade fertilizers are gaining popularity for several reasons:
Homemade fertilizers are eco-friendly.
Homemade fertilizers can be made using items you already have in your home, saving you money on gardening supplies.
Homemade fertilizers encourage the use of waste, which offers sustainability.
You can customize your homemade fertilizers to the specific needs of your plants, ensuring they get the nutrients they need.
Considerations before fertilization
Before diving into specific homemade fertilizer recipes, it’s essential to understand what nutrients plants need to grow. The three primary nutrients required for plant health are Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium which help a plant improve overall health.
In addition to these macronutrients, plants also need micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and iron. Many homemade fertilizers contain a mix of these nutrients, ensuring that your indoor plants get the balanced diet they need.
Best Homemade Fertilizers for Indoor Plants
Banana Peel Fertilizer
Banana peels are one of the best homemade fertilizers for indoor plants. This fertilizer is helpful for healthy root development and flower production.
You can cut the banana peels into small pieces and give them around your plant. You can make a watery fertilizer by soaking the peels in water for a few days and spray it.
Eggshell Fertilizer
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which strengthens plant cell walls and promotes overall plant health. This homemade fertilizer is useful for preventing calcium deficiencies in plants.
For making eggshell fertilizer, dry and crush them into a fine powder. Then you can use it and mix it into the soil. It can also be steeped in water to create a liquid fertilizer.
Used Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them an ideal homemade fertilizer for houseplants that need a nitrogen boost.
You need to dry used coffee grounds completely. Mix the dry grounds into the soil. But too much use of it can make the soil acidic, which is not suitable for all plants.
DIY Air Plant Fertilizer
Air plants are unique because they absorb nutrients through their leaves instead of their roots. Traditional fertilizers may not work well for these plants, but you can easily make a DIY air plant fertilizer at home.
Processes to make DIY air plant fertilizer:
Use diluted orchid fertilizer or aquarium water. Mist your air plants with this mixture once a week.
You can create a simple nutrient spray by diluting a small amount of seaweed extract or compost tea in water and misting your air plants regularly.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water. It is a well-rounded option for most indoor plants.
At first, fill a container with water and add a handful of compost to the water. Let it steep for 24-48 hours. You can spray this water on your plants.
Fish Tank Water
If you have an aquarium, the water from your fish tank can serve as a natural fertilizer as fish waste is rich in nitrogen and other nutrients.
Use the water from your fish tank to water your plants. Before using make sure the water is not too salty or chemically treated, as this can harm your plants.
Best Homemade Fertilizer for Indoor Plants Without Water
Sometimes, you may want to fertilize your indoor plants without adding extra moisture, especially if your plants are sensitive to overwatering.
Here are some of the best waterless homemade fertilizers:
Wood Ash
Wood ash is a fantastic source of potassium and calcium. It is a great choice for plants that prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Collect cooled wood ash and sprinkle a small amount around the root of your plant. You can mix them into the top layer also.
Be careful not to overuse wood ash, as too much can make the soil too alkaline.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a well-known source of magnesium and sulfur. It is useful for plants like tomatoes, peppers, and roses, which often need extra magnesium.
You can simply sprinkle a small amount of Epsom salt around the base of your plants. It can be used both with and without water.
Crushed Oyster Shells
Crushed oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium and help improve soil aeration and drainage. This fertilizer is ideal for plants that prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Oyster shells take time to break down. That’s why it provides a slow and steady release of calcium.
Green Tea Leaves
Used green tea leaves are rich in tannins and other organic compounds. It enhances soil health and provides mild fertilization without excess moisture.
To use green tea leaves as fertilizer, you can just spread them on top of the soil and gently mix them. This method provides a slow release of nutrients.
Using homemade fertilizers for your indoor plants is not only cost-effective and environmentally friendly but also a way to ensure that your plants receive the natural, balanced nutrients they need to thrive. From banana peels and eggshells to DIY air plant fertilizers and waterless options like wood ash and Epsom salt, there are numerous ways to create nutrient-rich fertilizers using everyday household items.
Experimenting with these homemade fertilizers can help you tailor your plant care routine to suit the specific needs of your indoor garden, ensuring that your plants remain healthy and vibrant year-round. Whether you’re looking for the best homemade fertilizer for indoor plants or need a waterless option, these DIY solutions offer effective and natural ways to keep your houseplants thriving.
Related
FAQs
What are the best homemade fertilizers for indoor plants?
Answer: The best homemade fertilizers for indoor plants include banana peels, eggshells, used coffee grounds, compost tea, fish tank water etc. These are natural and provide essential nutrients.
How can I make a DIY air plant fertilizer?
Answer: To make a DIY air plant fertilizer, dilute a small amount of orchid fertilizer or aquarium water with water and lightly mist your air plants once a week. Air plants absorb nutrients through their leaves, so misting with a nutrient solution is the best way to feed them.
What is the best homemade fertilizer for indoor plants without water?
Answer: The best homemade fertilizers for indoor plants without water include wood ash, Epsom salt, and crushed eggshells. These options provide essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium without adding excess moisture to the soil.
