What do the numbers on my fertilizer Mean?

We all want our plants to grow as healthy as possible. We provide them with the best soil, water them regularly, and ensure they get plenty of natural light. But when it comes to choosing the right fertilizer, things can get a little confusing.

When you go to buy fertilizer, you’ll notice a series of numbers on the packaging. These numbers vary depending on the fertilizer you need for the type of plant you're growing and the results you want to achieve.

The three numbers represent the percentage of key nutrients in the fertilizer. The first is nitrogen (N), the second is phosphorus (P), and the third is potassium (K)—collectively known as N-P-K. For example, a fertilizer labeled 5-10-10 contains 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus (in the form of phosphate), and 10% potassium (in the form of potash).

Each nutrient plays a specific role in plant growth. If you're looking to encourage greener, larger leaves or strong root development, you'll want a fertilizer higher in nitrogen. On the other hand, if you want your plants to bloom, produce fruit, or develop stronger roots, a fertilizer higher in phosphorus is ideal. For stronger stems and overall growth, potassium is the nutrient you’ll want to focus on.

Fortunately, most indoor houseplants, especially tropical varieties, thrive with a well-balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. This means the fertilizer contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a versatile option for many different types of plants. If you're ever unsure about which fertilizer to use, a balanced formula is a safe bet, especially during the growing seasons of spring and early summer.