How often should you feed your indoor plants?

Plant nutrition – maybe you’ve never really thought about it, or you’ve just never used it. That’s totally fine, because most houseplants do pretty well without it.

Still, for plants that use up a lot of energy, a bit of extra food can really help. If you want your houseplants to grow full and lush, send out new shoots, produce flowers or even fruit, that little extra makes all the difference.

Plant nutrition is a mix of minerals and nutrients that helps your plant grow new leaves, flowers or roots. You’ll find it in different forms:

• Liquid nutrition

• Nutrition sticks

• Granules

Liquid nutrition is the easiest to use. Just mix it into the water in your watering can. It’s ideal for beginners and usually the most affordable option too.

Some plants need special food – think bonsai, orchids or cacti. But for most houseplants, a good all-purpose feed works just fine. It gives your plant everything it needs.

Just be a bit more careful with succulents and cacti. They don’t need as much food as fast-growing leafy plants. Always check the instructions on the packaging.

The best time to feed is from March to October – that’s the growing season. During these months, your plants are active and can really use the extra boost.

In winter (from November to February), most houseplants stop growing. They only need light and water. Feeding them during this time can actually do more harm than good.

• Only feed after watering – never on dry soil
• Better to underfeed than overfeed
• Liquid nutrition is great if you’re just getting started

Prefer to skip the shop-bought stuff? You can easily try a few things from your kitchen.

If you thought coffee was just for you, think again. Your green friend might enjoy a splash too. Add a bit of cold leftover coffee to water and pour it in. Not a fan of coffee? No worries – used coffee grounds are even better. They’re almost pH-neutral, which is great for your plant.

Tea lovers, this one’s for you. Green tea contains tannins that support healthy plant growth. Just steep a used bag in some water and water your plant with the mix.

You can also use kitchen scraps to give your plants a boost. Save your eggshells, peelings and even the water from boiling potatoes – just make sure it’s unsalted. Salted water isn’t good for your plant.

Let the scraps soak in water overnight and pour that water onto your plant the next day. Your houseplant will thank you.

No. Some, like cacti or succulents, need very little. Always check the care needs of your specific plant.

About once every two weeks during the growing season. Skip it in winter.

You might end up with burnt roots or yellowing leaves. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label.