Plant lovers adore Monsteras. The monster-leafed houseplants brighten up the interiors without inherent safety risks.
Moreover, Monsteras purify the air and bear sweet “Delicosa” fruits rich in vitamins C and B, calcium, phosphorous, and proteins.
Unfortunately, they are delicate plants requiring great care outside their natural habitats.
So, we’ve developed this fertilizer guide to help you pick the monstera plant fertilizer for strong and healthy houseplants.
Best Fertilizer for Monstera
- Organic Monstera Plant Food by Grow – Best Fertilizer for Monstera Deliciosa
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes – Best Food Spike for Monstera Plants
- FoxFarm FX14091 Big Bloom Liquid Fertilizer – Best Liquid Monstera Fertilizer
- Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food – Best Granular Monstera Fertilizer
- Houseplant Resource Center Monstera Plant Food – Best Organic Fertilizer
- Bonide Houseplant Liquid Plant Food – Best Balanced Fertilizer for Monsteras
- Joyful Dirt Organic-Based Houseplant Food – Best Swiss Cheese Plant Fertilizer
- Easy Peasy Liquid Indoor Plant Food – Best Plant Food for Monstera Adansonii
- Dyna Gro Liquid Grow Plant Food – Best Overall
Best Fertilizer for Monstera Plants: Product Reviews
The following are nine of the best Monstera fertilizers in 2023. Feel free to test two or three before settling on a favorite.
1. Best Fertilizer for Monstera Deliciosa: Organic Monstera Plant Food by Grow-Go
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Organic monstera plant food is the first name that comes to mind when many plant lovers hear about monstera fertilization.
It’s the best fertilizer for Monstera Delicosas, the most common monstera plants, and suitable for indoor and outdoor plants.
We first like it because it’s easy to apply. Mix it with water and feed your potted monstera with a nourishing soil drench.
We also love that it’s packed with all the essential nutrients in balanced ratios for maximum plant growth and development. The 3-1-2 NPK ratio guarantees thriving leaves and a strong plant.
This product is urea-free. Therefore, it won’t burn your plants like other fertilizers. It’s also vegan-friendly, comprising 100% vegan ingredients.
To apply the liquid fertilizer, mix it with filtered, bottled, or rainwater. Then gently pour the solution into the plant’s soil until the roots are saturated. The results are visible within 2-3 days.
Though targeting Delicosas, Monstera Plant Food from the Grow Go works for all the monstera species plus many other household plants.
For example, it’s a great choice for Variegata, Borsignia, and Albo. It also works for Adonsonii, Swiss Cheese, and more.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Balanced NPK ratio
- 100% urea-free
Cons
- It’s a tad expensive
2. Best Food Spike for Monstera Plants: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes
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Miracle Grow is another household name when seeking monstera fertilizer. The company makes various products to help your products grow fast and strong. Moreover, their products are safe for you and your pets.
The liquid formula is especially popular as it provides instant nutrients. Also, you can spray it directly on your plants without the risk of burning the foliage. However, we prefer the company’s plant food spikes.
Miracle-Gro plant food spikes are as safe as liquid fertilizers. Moreover, they are packed with valuable nutrients. However, they provide two additional benefits.
First, the cylindrical spikes provide continuous food to plants for up to two months. So, you only need t fertilize your plants 3-4 times a year if you discount the dormant period.
Secondly, they are easier to apply than liquid fertilizers. Punch a hole in the soil using the included miracle aerator spike and push a spike in the hole until it’s covered with soil.
Food spikes are highly cost-effective. You get 24 spikes for $3, but you only need two for a 3-inch pot and three for a 5-inch pot. Thus the 24-spike pack easily lasts the entire year.
Pros
- Highly cost-effective at $3/pack of 24 spikes
- Provide consistent plant nutrients for two months
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- High risk of over-fertilization
3. Best Liquid Monstera Plant Fertilizer: FoxFarm FX14091 Big Bloom Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer
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There are many exceptional liquid monstera plant foods out there. So, the selection process can be confusing. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, we recommend FoxFarm FX14091 Big Bloom Concentrate.
The OMRI-listed and registered CDFA Big Bloom is an organic input comprising a carefully selected blend of fertilizers to quickly provide essential nutrients to support blooming foliage and seed formation.
For instance, it contains bat guano and earthworm castings, forming a rich mix to help your plants thrive.
It also contains Norwegian kelp to improve nutrient take and rock phosphates to transfer energy throughout the plant. The result is stronger plants with greater resistance to pests and diseases.
The components also increase essential oil production for a stronger fragrance. It’s very easy to use too.
Add the liquid fertilizer to your watering container or apply it with a non-clog hose-end sprayer for the best results.
The manufacturer recommends four tablespoons (60ml) per gallon of water for regular houseplants. However, you only need a quarter of a tablespoon per gallon for monstera plants.
Besides Big Bloom, FoxFarm offers a soil liquid trio pack that works together to provide more vigorous plant growth. However, stick with Big Bloom for regular monstera maintenance for the best results.
Pros
- Incorporates Norwegian kelp for faster nutrient uptake
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- It’s expensive
4. Best Granular Monstera Fertilizer: Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food
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Osmocote is an all-in-one fertilization solution for serious gardeners. A single application provides at least 11 essential nutrients and feeds. More importantly, the slow-releasing grains provide plant food for up to six months.
The homogenous 15-9-12 NPK fertilizer is easy to apply and works seamlessly once under the soil. The granules are coated with a semi-permeable resin that dissolves when you water your plants.
Once dissolved, the resin releases NPK plus micro and secondary nutrients, which your plants can readily absorb.
The best way to apply Osmocote fertilizers to monstera houseplants is by sprinkling a scoopful of grains for every two gallons of water or four square feet.
This means you only need a scoopful per monstera plant in most cases. A scoop is equivalent to three tablespoons.
Mix the grains into the top 1-3 inches of the soil and water the plant. Temperature changes determine the rate of nutrient release, with the release rate highest in warm weather.
Thankfully, it doesn’t burn plants even if applied 3x the recommended rate.
Pros
- It contains 11+ different nutrients
- Provides plants nutrients for six months
Cons
- Slow nutrient release
5. Best Organic Monstera Fertilizer: Houseplant Resource Center Monstera Plant Food
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You’ll notice that many products on this list are high-quality houseplant fertilizers formulated to serve many plants. This is a good approach because most plant lovers keep various houseplants. A general-purpose fertilizer makes shopping easier.
However, if you only own one or a few monsteras, then it makes even greater sense to invest in monstera-specific fertilizer. In that case, Houseplant Resource Center’s Monstera Plant food is one of the best organic monstera fertilizers.
The 5-2-3 NPK fertilizer delivers all the essential nutrients plus many more, ensuring blooming plants with enormous shiny-green leaves and strong, deep roots. More importantly, the liquid-based fertilizer provides readily-available nutrients.
It’s very easy to apply too. Add a teaspoon of Monstera Plant Food to two cups of water and mix thoroughly. Then apply during normal watering. Fertilize your monstera plants every two weeks for year-round bloom.
Pros
- It’s a monstera-specific fertilizer
- Provides readily-available nutrients
Cons
- The 5-2-3 NPK ratio is confusing
6. Best Balanced Fertilizer for Monsteras: Bonide Houseplant Liquid Plant Food
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We usually recommend balanced fertilizers for monsteras because they provide equal amounts of critical nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Thus the plant develops uniformly, with thriving foliage, strong roots, beautiful flowers, and delicious fruits.
Unfortunately, many monstera fertilizers are not 100% balanced because it’s a difficult feat. Bonide Houseplant Liquid Plant Food is one of a few special fertilizers that perfectly balance nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
As a result, the fertilizer guarantees balanced monstera plants with optimal health and strength. Dilute the liquid fertilizer with water before application, then gently spray or pour it over the potting soil. However, don’t store diluted fertilizers for future use.
The manufacturer recommends mixing ⅛ teaspoon with a quart of water for regular houseplants. However, you only need a quarter of that for monsteras.
Pros
- It’s a perfectly balanced fertilizer
- It’s straightforward to apply
Cons
- You cannot use the leftover diluted fertilizer
7. Best Swiss Cheese Plant Fertilizer: Joyful Dirt Organic-Based Houseplant Food
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The hefty price tag is the first thing you notice about Joyful Dirt Organics HousePlant. It is among the most expensive houseplant fertilizers at $19 for a 3-ounce shaker bottle.
You may save up to $20 if you buy a pack of three shakers. But that’s still more expensive than most houseplant fertilizers.
Nonetheless, it’s completely worth it. First, this is among the purest plant foods.
The premium fertilizer is packed with active concentrated ingredients with no fillers. So, you get more nutrients per ounce than comparable products.
Moreover, the soluble monstera food comprises amendments such as mycorrhizae, bone meal, and kelp for robust root systems and resistance to drought stress. Above all, it’s non-toxic and safe for children and pets.
Applying Joyful Dirt Organic’s Houseplant fertilizer is easy. You can sprinkle the powder directly around the plant base, gently till the soil, and water normally.
Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of the fertilizer with ½ gallon of water, shake thoroughly, and spray onto your plants.
Pros
- It has no fillers
- Contains bone meal and kelp
Cons
- It’s expensive
8. Best Plant Food for Monstera Adansonii: Easy Peasy Liquid Indoor Plant Food
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The Easy Peasy Liquid Indoor Plant Food is on this list because it differs slightly from the other options. First, its 4-3-4 NPK formula is strange.
Typically, unbalanced fertilizers contain more nitrogen than phosphorous and potassium. But in this case, you get similar quantities of nitrogen and potassium with slightly less phosphorous.
This means you may need to top up phosphorus, which is critical for harvesting the sun’s energy and converting it to growth and reproduction. Also, phosphorous hastens maturity.
However, high amounts of nitrogen and potassium ensure the rapid development of foliage and strong roots for thriving plants. Moreover, indoor plants don’t need sunlight that much. Nonetheless, we specifically recommend it for plants under grow lights.
In addition, many houseplant fertilizers only contain trace amounts of sulfur as a secondary nutrient. So, it’s interesting that Easy Peasy has substantial amounts in its organic fertilizer.
Unsurprisingly, it’s for a good reason. Sulfur is critical to developing amino acids, proteins, and oils. It also promotes chlorophyll formation, increasing the rate of photosynthesis.
So, these guys know what they’re doing, after all. Mix a tablespoon of Easy Peasy powder with two cups of water and use it to sprinkle your plants.
Pros
- Quick nutrient release
- Contains plenty of sulfur
Cons
- The NKP ratio is confusing
9. Best Overall: Dyna Gro Liquid Grow Plant Food
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Finally, this list would be incomplete without Dyna Gro liquid grow plant food. The 7-9-5 fertilizer is high in phosphorus and nitrogen for lush plants and strong roots.
It’s also very easy to apply and doesn’t burn your plants. Above all, Dyna Gro contains all 16 nutrients necessary for a healthy plant.
Major brands focus only on the big three (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) and a few secondary nutrients, ignoring trace elements necessary for plant development.
For instance, few monstera fertilizers contain molybdenum, and many lack copper and iron. Yet, these elements are invaluable for a complete plant diet.
Dyna-Gro Gro-032 contains all sixteen, including manganese, zinc, and calcium, for hardy monsteras that can withstand harsh conditions.
Again, it’s simple to use. Dilute the fertilizer to the recommended concentration and use it to water your plants. Read the label for dilution directions.
Pros
- Contains all 16 critical plant nutrients
- It’s easy to apply
Cons
- Available only in 32-ounce cans
Best Fertilizer for Monstera Comparison Table
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Do Your Monstera Plants Need Fertilizers?
Yes, you must fertilize monsteras for optimal growth and plant health. Starting with an organically rich potting mix helps.
However, the plants constantly consume nutrients, depleting the potting mix quickly. Fertilization is the only way to replenish the soil. Otherwise, the houseplant soon runs out of critical nutrients.
Besides ensuring healthy plants, fertilization makes your plants tall and strong. It also makes the plant more resistant to pests and diseases.
Failure to fertilize your plants accordingly can result in thin, weak plants or the plant may die.
Signs Your Monstera Needs Fertilizer
Never wait until your plants go without nutrients to apply fertilizer. Some plants don’t recover fully after stress.
Instead, you should maintain a regular fertilization routine to keep your plants healthy and plush all year.
Nonetheless, you know your Monsteras are starved of nutrients if you observe the following signs and symptoms.
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Slow or stunted growth
- The leaves are not splitting.
- Weak stems and roots
What’s in Fertilizer? What Makes it So Important?
Macronutrients
Fertilizers contain nutrients that plants need to grow big and stay healthy. These nutrients are classified into three main types: macronutrients, micronutrients, and secondary nutrients.
Macronutrients are mobile nutrients fundamental for plant health. They play a central role in the development of vital plant proteins.
Macronutrients are also central to cellular growth, immune system development, and plant respiration. The three main macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Secondary nutrients
Secondary nutrients are required in lower quantities. Nevertheless, they are very important for healthy plants.
For instance, they boost the immune system, improve metabolism, and help plants absorb vital nutrients. The top three secondary plant nutrients are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Micronutrients
Finally, micronutrients are trace elements not needed in significant quantities. But they are just as important as the other two nutrient classes.
For instance, micronutrients are responsible for nitrogen fixation and protein synthesis. The most important micronutrients for monstera plants are iron, zinc, copper, chlorine, and boron.
What’s the Best Fertilizer for Monstera Plants?
The best plant fertilizers contain all the critical macro, micro, and secondary nutrients. But since perfect fertilizers are a myth, we recommend balanced fertilizers.
A 20:20:20 fertilizer is the most balanced plant food for monstera plants. This ratio refers to the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) content.
Balanced fertilizers contain equal quantities of the three macronutrients plus sufficient micro and secondary nutrients for proportional plant development.
Perhaps you’re wondering about the effects of using an unbalanced fertilizer. Unfortunately, the consequences can be dire.
For example, a 13-4-5 spike fertilizer has three times as much nitrogen as phosphorous and potassium. So, your monsteras will produce lush, green foliage.
However, a low phosphorous content results in shallow, weak roots. Also, the plant may not flower or fruit on time. And if they do, the fruits are tiny and lacking in sweetness.
Meanwhile, low potassium content results in a weak immune system, making the plants prone to pest and disease attacks.
Interesting read: How Long do Monsteras Live?
Organic Fertilizers vs Inorganic Fertilizers for Monstera
You can use either organic or inorganic fertilizers for monstera plants, provided you understand the difference between the two and the pros and cons of each.
Organic fertilizers are 100% obtained from living things, while inorganic fertilizers, also known as synthetic fertilizers, are derived from chemical reactions and minerals.
Therefore, organic fertilizers seamlessly reintegrate into the soil, improving the soil structure thanks to beneficial microorganisms.
On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers don’t contain living organisms. So, they don’t improve the soil structure.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean organic fertilizers are always superior to synthetic ones. Indeed, inorganic fertilizers have a greater immediate impact because their nutrients are readily available.
They also pack more pure nutrients than organic fertilizers. Therefore, we recommend organic fertilizer for healthy plants without immediate nutrient requirements.
Meanwhile, inorganic fertilizers are best for immediate impact, making them ideal for distressed plants.
How to Fertilize Monstera Plants
Different fertilizers are applied differently. The following are step-by-step guides to applying common fertilizers types for the healthy growth of indoor plants.
Method 1: How to apply liquid fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers are the easiest to apply. All you need to do is dilute the fertilizer to ¼ of the recommended strength and pour it into the potting soil.
The best part is that liquid fertilizers can be organic or inorganic. The following is a step-by-step guide to applying organic liquid fertilizers to your monstera plant.
- Adequately water the monstera plant the day before fertilizer application without overwatering it. Applying fertilizer to dry soil damages or burns tender roots.
- Dilute the fertilizer in a bowl to ¼ of the recommended strength. This is very important as fertilizing Monsteras at the rate of other houseplants can overpower the plants.
- Pour the fertilizer directly into the potting soil but not too close to the plant stem using a watering can or glass.
Method 2: How to apply granular fertilizer
Granular fertilizers are dry and typically in pellets resembling tiny bits of coloured gravel. The pellets dissolve into the soil gradually, slowly releasing important nutrients to the plant.
Here’s how to apply granular fertilizers to monstera plants.
- Sprinkle the granules onto the soil at the recommended application rate, ensuring the grains don’t touch the plant stem. Again, keep the rate to 1/4 of the standard recommendation.
- Thoroughly mix the granules into the top 2-3 inches of the soil with your hands. Take care not to disturb the plant roots.
- Water the plant until the water runs freely through the drain holes. Watering immediately after fertilization helps release nutrients to the plant. Empty the catch pan once the draining stops.
- Resume regular watering. The slow-release fertilizer will provide valuable nutrients to your plants for the next few weeks.
Method 3: How to apply plant spike fertilizers
Fertilizer spikes are compressed cylinders comprising a mix of plant nutrients. More importantly, they are slowly-release fertilizers that avail small quantities of nutrients over many weeks.
Mix the fertilizer into the soil around the plant, and the rods gradually dissolve, releasing nutrients evenly throughout the season.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to over-fertilize the plant with spikes. So, you should closely monitor your monsteras for signs of fertilization.
Here’s how to apply fertilizer spikes;
- Select the appropriate number of spikes. Again, make it ¼ of the regular houseplant fertilization rate.
- Use a pencil or dowel to make holes in the soil where the spikes go.
- Gently shove the spikes into the holes, ensuring the top of the spike rests just beneath the soil surface.
- Resume regular watering to trigger the slow release of nutrients.
Method 4: How to fertilize Monstera plants with compost
Compost fertilizers are great for Monsteras. First, they are cost-effective and easy to apply. Indeed, you can DIY-make a compost pile packed with essential nutrients without spending a dime.
In addition, compost fertilizers are slow-release fertilizers that improve the soil structure, benefiting the plant for a long time. Above all, there’s minimal risk of over-fertilization.
Here’s how to apply compost manure to monstera plants for optimal leaf growth;
- Scoop enough compost (wear gloves to prevent the spread of pests and diseases).
- Apply it to the soil surface and spread it liberally, keeping it 2-3 inches away from the stem.
- Water the plant to trigger nutrient release.
How Often to Fertelize Monsteras Plants?
Monstera plants aren’t heavy feeders. Therefore, you don’t need to fertilize them regularly. The following are a few tips to consider;
- Mainly apply fertilizer during the growing season, especially the spring and summer. During this period, fertilize your monsteras every 2-4 weeks to ensure strong, healthy plants throughout the year.
- Reduce fertilization during the dormant season, which runs from autumn to winter. Either avoid fertilization completely or fertilize your plants every three months.
- Use a quarter of recommended houseplant fertilization rate to avoid over-fertilization.
Signs of excess fertilizer
Yes, there’s such a thing as too much fertilizer, and it’s dangerous for your monstera plants. For instance, too much organic fertilizer can burn your plants.
It also limits moisture uptake and may compromise the uptake of other nutrients. So, it would be best to stick to the above fertilization schedule.
The following are a few signs of over-fertilization;
- White spots on top of the soil
- Stunted plant growth
- Burnt roots
- Discoloration (e.g., yellow leaf edges)
- Brown leaf tips
- Wilting leaves
How to fix overfertelized Monstera
If you notice signs of over-fertilization, act immediately before your plants die. Here’s what you must do;
- Examine the condition of the ill plant. How healthy is it? Have the symptoms overwhelmed it?
- Clip the brown leaf tips and burnt foliage. Occasionally, you need to remove entire leaves.
- Scrap away an inch of the topsoil to reduce fertilizer concentration.
- Water the plant thoroughly to flush the remaining fertilizer.
The above tip should restore the correct nutrient balance. If the symptoms persist, repot the plant to fresh soil.
Should you fertilize Monstera Delicosa all year?
No. Typically, you only need to fertilize the plant during the growing period when it’s putting out new foliage. This is often during spring and summer.
Monsteras are dormant for the rest of the year, requiring little to no fertilization. Only resume normal fertilization when new growth starts.
However, you can break that rule if you notice that your plant puts out new foliage in autumn or winter. In that case, go ahead and fertilize it as usual.
Similarly, fertilize your plants normally throughout the year if they grow under grow lights, as plants growing under grow lights don’t care about seasonal differences.
Summary
Your monstera plants need essential nutrients for optimal health and lush foliage.
Unfortunately, even the highest quality potting mix can only provide the necessary nutrients for a while as the plant gradually uses them up.
Therefore, you should regularly fertilize your monsteras to top up critical nutrients. The nine monstera fertilizers on this list are your best options in 2023.
