Fertilizing Houseplants and Window Boxes: Frequency, Types, and Signs

Liquid fertilizer: Every 14 days at label's "light" rate. Reduce in winter.
Heavy feeders: Research specific plant needs (e.g., citrus, hibiscus).

Container plants need regular, dilute feeding since nutrients leach with every watering.

Schedule

Under-fertilized	Over-fertilized
Pale green → yellow leaves	Dark green, small, curled leaves
Stunted growth	Brown leaf tips
No flowers	Root burn, wilting

Use complete fertilizers with micronutrients (critical in soilless mixes). Follow label precisely—err on the side of less.

Fertilizer: Fertilizing During Flowering: Indoor vs. Outdoor Rules; Why Tomato Plants Grow Tall but Produce No Fruit; Fertilizing a Mature Shade Lawn: Adjusting the Program After 3 Years; Fertilizing Ginkgo Trees: What Works and What to Avoid; Seedling Fertilization: Rates, Timing, and Slow-Release Options; Fertilizing Maple Trees: Zero Nitrogen, High Phosphorus/Potassium; Miracle-Gro Fertilizer on Carnivorous Plants: Which Formula for Which Genus?; Fertilizing Nepenthes: Maxsea Foliar Feed, Urea-Free Orchid Formula; Why Dirty Dishwater Is Terrible Plant Fertilizer; Fertilizing Houseplants: Skip 10-10-10, Use Specialty Formula

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