Is it possible to make homemade plant food for my indoor plants?

Fancy whipping up your own plant food? You absolutely can! DIY plant food is a super eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to feed your indoor plants. But remember, it's all about using the right bits and bobs, mixing them in the proper proportions, and not going overboard. Get that recipe right, and your plants will be thanking you for the yummy goodness... without any nasty surprises!

Pre made composts and plant food are easy, but can you make your own plant food? YES! Homemade mixes are eco-conscious and budget-friendly... but there are some things to keep in mind before you start brewing up potions.

The Basics

• Different Plants = Different Needs: What works for a fern might not be right for an orchid. Always research your specific plant before feeding it anything!
• Not an Exact Science: Commercial fertilisers have those N-P-K ratios for a reason. Homemade stuff is less precise, so watch your plants closely for signs of trouble (yellowing leaves, stunted growth, etc).
• Start Slow: It's easier to give a plant MORE food than it is to undo problems from over fertilising.

Easy Homemade Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Epsom salts
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 1/2 tsp household ammonia
• 1 gallon of water

Mix everything in a watering can and give your plants a drink every other week or so. This provides a bit of magnesium, nitrogen, and can help with soil pH.

Other DIY Options

• "Veggie Water": Boiling carrots, roast dinner veggies, etc? Let that water cool, then use it on your plants for a gentle nutrient boost.
• Coffee Grounds: Acid-loving plants may like a sprinkle around the pot (not too much!). Adds a bit of nitrogen over time.
• Crushed Eggshells: Add calcium to the soil... good for ferns, palms and similar plants.

Commercial Fertilisers: When DIY Isn't the Best Choice

• Fussy Feeders: Orchids, cacti, etc, are often happier with tailored nutrition.
• Want Super Lush Growth? Sometimes you need the power of a scientifically formulated fertiliser
• No Time for Experimenting: Pre-mixed options are a lifesaver if you're busy

Houseplant.co.uk to the Rescue!

We don't want your plant experiments to go wrong! Our fertilisers are specifically designed for different types of plants (Monstera food, Orchid food, etc). And our plant-mad team is always here with advice!

🌿 IMPORTANT STUFF: READ THIS! 🌿

Plants are living things, and everyone's home environment is different. Homemade fertilisers might work brilliantly, or cause harm. ALWAYS:

• Use recipes with caution
• Start with weak dilutions
• Watch for unhealthy signs in your plant, and stop feeding if you see them
• Know that we're not liable if your DIY food hurts your plant babies

Got doubts? Stick to the proven fertilisers, or give us a shout for advice! We're obsessed with keeping your plants thriving, no matter how you choose to feed them.