Is Osmocote Suitable For Indoor Plants?

Osmocote is a slow-release fertilizer that is favored by gardeners for its ease of use and consistent nutrient delivery, which promotes healthy plant growth. It is safe for flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants. Indoor plant care involves choosing good soil and watering appropriately, but applying fertilizers for indoor plants can help them grow. The Bloom City CleanKelp Fert is a favorite fertilizer for indoor plants.

Osmocote is a synthetic fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly and gradually into the soil based on temperature and plant growth. It is recommended to use half the recommended rate when using Osmocote, the most common time release fertilizer for houseplants. This fertilizer bonds to the growing media and is slowly absorbed by the plant roots. When using Osmocote, it is recommended to use half the recommended rate.

When using Osmocote, it is important to use half a cap for 2 gal pots or half a teaspoon for 6 in pots. The formula works with virtually all plant varieties and in all growing conditions. Osmocote provides a four-month controlled supply of essential nutrients for colorful blooms and lush foliage.

Osmocote is available in 1 lb containers and shipping. If you are new to gardening or have trouble converting outdoor fertilizer rates for indoor houseplants, Dakota explains how to choose the best formula for your needs.


📹 Best fertilizer for indoor plants

Are you wondering what house plant fertilizer to use for indoor plants? I go over a few basic types of house plant fertilizers.


What is the best fertilizer for indoor potted plants?

The most efficacious houseplant fertilizers include Dr. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food, Wiggle Worm Organic Worm Castings Fertilizer, Fox Farm Big Bloom Liquid Plant Food Concentrate, and EarthPods Organic Indoor Plant Food Capsules. These products assist in maintaining the health and vigor of houseplants. It should be noted that prices and stock availability may fluctuate following the publication date.

What is the best mix for indoor plants?

A basic houseplant mix, consisting of 50 peat moss or coco coir, 25 perlite, and 25 compost, is a great starting point for most plants. Good soil is essential for plant growth, as it should be fluffy, nutrient-rich, and allow extra water to drain away. A top-notch mix typically includes potting soil, perlite or vermiculite, and rich compost or peat moss. While pre-made plant potting mixes are readily available, with some knowledge, you can create custom blends for your plants, saving money and ensuring their flourishing.

Can I just sprinkle Osmocote on top of soil?
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Can I just sprinkle Osmocote on top of soil?

Osmocote is a container-based fertilizer designed for plants in containers like seedling tray, grow bag, or pot. It is safe for gardeners and hobbyists to experiment with different methods, as long as they don’t damage the coating. The best and most cost-efficient method is to mix Osmocote into the growing medium using a specialized machine, concrete mixer, or hand. However, it’s not recommended to mix Osmocote into large heaps using a bulldozer as it’s difficult to mix evenly.

Osmocote can also be top-dressed to potted plants, ensuring it doesn’t fall out during watering or if the plants are blown over during a wind storm. Place prills close to the dripper if using a dripper for watering, working them about 2cm into the top of the growing medium. Always ensure all irrigation comes from the top, as Osmocote is designed for containerized plants.

How much Osmocote do I put in a potted plant?

The question is about the application rates of Osmocote Plant Food, a high-quality dry plant food, in different pot sizes. The formulas are 15-9-12 for annuals and container plants and 14-14-14 for beds with perennials and vegetables. The application rates for 15-9-12 Osmocote are similar to the 17-5-11 product. The pot sizes range from 4-inch to 12-inch, with the appropriate amount of Osmocote for each pot being 1/2 teaspoon/pint, 1 teaspoon/quart, 1. 5 tablespoons/gallon, 3 tablespoons/2 gallons, 4. 5 tablespoons/3 gallons, and 8 tablespoons/5 gallons. The caps on Osmocote 1 and 2 lb. bottles hold 3 tablespoons.

Can I use Osmocote on indoor plants?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can I use Osmocote on indoor plants?

Osmocote is a slow-release plant food that can be used for both indoor and outdoor plants. It is the original slow-release formula, with decades of rigorous field testing confirming its effectiveness with hundreds of plant species in various climates and soil conditions. Each homogeneous granule contains 15-9-12 NPK plus micro and secondary nutrients, and can feed for up to six months. The secret to Osmocote’s effectiveness lies in its secretion by soil temperature, which controls how nutrients are released and taken up by the plant.

The product is designed to cover 37. 5 sq. ft. and works best when mixed into 1 – 3 inches of soil. It is mistake-proof, even if over-applied up to 3x the recommended rate, and its performance is guaranteed. If unsatisfied, the empty package can be returned to The Scotts Company for a full refund.

How long does Osmocote last in soil?

Osmocote fertilizers come in various longevities, including 3-18 months, and are color-coded for easy identification. The longevity of the fertilizer is determined by the ingredients and coating thickness. The longevities apply to an average temperature of 21°C, with higher temperatures accelerating nutrient release and lower temperatures slowing it down. Other factors like salt levels, substrate pH, microbial activity, water quality, and rainfall do not affect nutrient release, making Osmocote the most reliable coated fertilizer.

Which is better, Osmocote or Miracle-Gro?

The choice of pre-plant Osmocote for Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies depends on the soil and the amount of attention they will receive. Low-nutrient soil may benefit from pre-plant Osmocote, while rich-in-nutrient soil may not require it. For heavy feeders, a 4-month, slow-release formulation of Osmocote is recommended, especially for containers. If plants appear hungry, they should be fed Miracle-Gro water soluble feed. Check for signs of hunger, such as slow growth and flowering or yellowing lower leaves.

Can I use Osmocote and Miracle Grow together?

It is recommended that Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies be fertilized with Osmocote prior to planting, particularly in containers. If the plants appear to require additional nutrients, they can be fertilized with Miracle-Gro water-soluble fertilizer. Such deficiencies can be identified through the observation of stunted growth and flowering, or the yellowing of lower leaves. For further information, please refer to the FAQ page or contact the customer support team at fanclub@wave-rave. com.

How often should you fertilize indoor potted plants?

Fertilizing houseplants is essential during spring and summer, and can be done using liquid, crystalline, granular, spike, and tablet forms. Use fertilizers specifically formulated for houseplants or general complete and balanced fertilizers. Mix them at half or quarter the strength outlined in the instructions, as houseplants grow slower than outdoor plants. The frequency of application depends on the product and varies from every 2 weeks to once every 3 to 4 months. Fertilize only when houseplants are actively growing, as they often have a period of rest during winter, so no fertilizer is needed.

What houseplants don’t like fertilizer?

Hillman recommends limiting the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers to a frequency of once every six weeks for succulents and cacti. This approach helps to prevent overfeeding and maintain optimal nutritional balance. The provision of high-quality soil and compost is also conducive to the thriving of these plants.

Is Osmocote premium potting mix good for indoor plants?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Osmocote premium potting mix good for indoor plants?

Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for Indoor Plants is a potting mix suitable for all indoor plants, including Ferns, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Devil’s Ivy, Dracaena, Peace Lilies, Palms, Peperomia, and Monsterra. It can be used at any time of the year, but flowering plants should be repotted after they have flowered to enjoy their blooms first. The mix includes Osmocote controlled release fertiliser for six months, coir, sphagnum peat, and perlite for improved water retention and root air flow.


📹 How I Fertilize My Houseplants + Products That I Use (+ a giveaway!)

BUSINESS EMAIL: [email protected] ABOUT ME I’m Fern! A 20-something gal living on beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada …


Is Osmocote Suitable For Indoor Plants?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

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  • Hi fern! Just wanna let you know that perusal you is one of my favorite relaxation activities. Your website feels like home, like when after perusal all the crazy and fun vlogs/videos, I end my day with yours. I may not relate with all your article content but I still watch it nonetheless. Thank you! Keep doing you 🥰

  • I use the orchid fert for all my hoya – once monthly at the time I water. I’ve been using this fertilizing method for all my hoya for a little over a year and I’ve noticed zero leaf burn. I have most of my hoya under a generic grow light strip, east facing and south facing windows. Hope that clears some of your fears surrounding that method.

  • You can also use the general hydroponics fertilizer for your plants in soil. It is the same measurements, but the bottles do say you can use them with soil. My plants LOVE it! If you use the orchid spray try spraying your hoyas in the evenings when your lights are off and the sun is down so it has time to absorb.

  • Question about the general hydroponics- what ratio do you use? There are a few options on the bottle and I was curious what you use for your Thai constellation. It isn’t super clear on the bottle or on their website on what to use for house plants. I usually do the 1x1x1 ratio (general use) to be safe on my monstera albo, but I think I could increase it a bit and especially on my other LECA plants. I just don’t want to over-fertilize. I swear by General Hydroponics though. My albo pushed out 2 new leaves in 2.5 weeks as soon as I put my IKEA milsbo greenhouse cabinet together and it got the prime spot lol. I think the combo of the fertilizer and the prime conditions have it the courage the push out the leaf it had been working on since September. Anyway, thanks in advance for your advice!! So sorry for the long comment. 😬

  • I use 18-10-11 slow release fertilizer, combined with Seasol seaweed concentrate (which stinks worse than fish emulsion ugh) for all the vitamins calcium magnesium iron etc, Root Roids to make the roots go nuts and Fulvic Acid so the plant is able to absorb maximum nutrients! (ps/ Nothing to do with plants but you seriously can rock any hairstyle!!! And I love the makeup look too!)

  • I read this somewhere …”Miracle-Grow is a synthetic fertilizer that contains ammonium phosphate and several other chemicals that can be TOXIC to your soil and plants. It is prohibited from use in certified-organic farming…Usually these fertilizers are also highly soluble, so they leach away and polute our water systems too.” This info from davesgarden.com > guides>terms

  • Do I use chemical fertilizer? No Am I still gonna watch cause Fern? Yes I’d like to be in the giveaway! IG is @kirstengasiorowski 💚 I use natural fertilizers only cause I’m sensitive to chemicals and try my best to keep them completely out of my home. I use egg shells and coffee grounds instead and still get lots of happy flowering plants! 🌸

  • I’ve been looking for a good cactus/succulent fertilizer so this article was super helpful! I really like the Schultz African violet fertilizer, I don’t know why I didn’t think to check out their cactus fertilizer, so thank you! Love your articles (: I’d like to participate in the giveaway! My Instagram handle is @marissa.alice (:

  • I love the general hydro stuff for my leca and perlite pots. I also use the orchid fertilizer on my dischidia and my Hoya (but have to take everything outside now because my kid pointed out that is smells like pee 🤢) I also use it on all my several of my aroids. Would love to be entered for the giveaway ig @clearlycrested

  • I would like to enter the giveaway. I live in the US. I have several carnivorous plants in my greenhouse and I hand feed them frozen blood worms. That seems to make them happy. ( I guess because they are growing really well ) my instagram is wild_lifecreations. Oh love your articles. Such an inspiration.:)

  • Hello hello! Thank you for sharing all of this information! Have you ever heard of liquidirt? That’s what I’ve been hooked on since growing plants and have been timid about trying others lol. Will definitely get super thrive now and I’m considering the floragro! Edit to say I would love to be in the giveaway! My Instagram is: instagram.com/duke_of_plants/