Homemade fertilizer for indoor plants means using natural things from our home to make plants healthy and green. These fertilizers are safe, low-cost, and perfect for those who love growing plants inside their home. You don’t need to buy costly chemical fertilizers when you can easily make powerful plant food using simple kitchen waste like banana peels, eggshells, or tea leaves.
I have been growing indoor plants for many years and sharing my experience on TakeCarePlant.com. In the beginning, I used chemical fertilizers, but later I started trying homemade options. Slowly, I noticed my money plant, snake plant, and peace lily started looking fresh and growing faster. So today, I’m sharing my real experience and simple recipes that actually work.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Homemade Fertilizer for Indoor Plants?
Homemade fertilizer means making natural plant food from things already available in your home — like fruit peels, leftover tea, or eggshells. These fertilizers release nutrients slowly and are very gentle for indoor plants. They don’t harm roots and keep soil alive with good microbes.
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Quick Tips Before You Start
- Always use mild and diluted solutions.
- Feed your plants only during active growing months (spring and summer).
- Don’t overfeed — small amount is enough for indoor plants.
- Try the fertilizer on one plant first to check the result.
- Keep the soil slightly moist before applying fertilizer.
Why I Prefer Homemade Fertilizer
From my own gardening experience, homemade fertilizers are the best because they are:
- Budget-friendly: Made from kitchen waste, no need to spend money.
- Safe: No risk of root burn or chemical damage.
- Eco-friendly: Good for plants and nature both.
- Easy: Anyone can make it without special tools.
My Best Homemade Fertilizer Recipes for Indoor Plants
1. Banana Peel Water – For Strong Growth
What it gives: Potassium and phosphorus for healthy leaves and flowers.
How I make it: I cut 2 banana peels and soak them overnight in 1 litre of water. Next morning, I strain the water and use it for watering my plants.
How often: Once every 2–3 weeks.
Tip: Sometimes I bury small banana peel pieces in the pot soil for slow nutrient release.
2. Eggshell Powder – For Calcium
What it gives: Calcium for stronger plant cells and new leaves.
How I make it: After using eggs, I wash the shells, dry them under sunlight, and grind them into a fine powder. Then I sprinkle 1 teaspoon powder over the soil.
How often: Every 2 months.
This works very well for money plants and jade plants.
3. Used Tea Leaves or Coffee Grounds – For Nitrogen
What it gives: A little nitrogen and organic matter to the soil.
How I use: I collect used tea leaves, wash them to remove milk or sugar, dry them, and mix 1 tablespoon in the pot soil.
How often: Once a month.
Important: Do not use too much — it can make the soil too acidic.
4. Diluted Milk – For Calcium and Good Microbes
What it gives: Natural calcium and beneficial bacteria.
How I make: Mix 1 part milk with 9 parts water. I use this mix to water plants once a month.
Never use raw milk directly, it can smell and attract insects.
5. Compost Tea – Balanced Fertilizer
What it gives: A mix of all nutrients and good microbes.
How I make: I put 1 cup of compost in a 5-litre bucket of water and let it sit for 2 days. Then I strain it and use the liquid for watering plants.
How often: Every 2–4 weeks.
This is my personal favourite fertilizer — it works like magic for all houseplants.
6. Aquarium Water – Natural Nitrogen Source
What it gives: Nitrogen from fish waste and organic matter.
How I use: Whenever I clean my fish tank, I use the same old water for watering indoor plants.
How often: Once every 3 weeks.
My money plant grows very fast with this water!
7. Molasses Water – To Boost Soil Life
What it gives: Energy for soil microbes that help plant roots absorb nutrients.
How I make: Mix 1 tablespoon molasses in 4 litres of water and pour a small amount into each pot.
How often: Once a month.
How to Apply Homemade Fertilizers Properly
- Always water your plant lightly before feeding.
- Apply in the morning or evening, not during hot noon.
- Use small quantity; excess fertilizer can damage roots.
- For leaf spraying (foliar feed), use only very diluted compost tea.
My Simple Feeding Schedule
- Money plant: Banana water every 3 weeks.
- Snake plant: Eggshell powder every 2 months.
- Peace lily: Compost tea once a month.
- Spider plant: Diluted milk water monthly.
This routine keeps all my indoor plants green and glowing throughout the year.
Common Problems & My Solutions
| Problem | Cause | My Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Lack of nitrogen | Use tea leaf fertilizer. |
| Brown tips | Overfertilizing | Flush with clean water and stop feeding for 2 weeks. |
| Slow growth | Weak soil nutrients | Give compost tea or banana water. |
| Bad smell | Overuse of milk or food waste | Stop feeding and repot soil if needed. |
Conclusion
If you love your plants, give them food made by your own hands. Homemade fertilizer for indoor plants is safe, simple, and effective. From my experience, these natural mixes help plants grow better, keep the soil alive, and give you real satisfaction.
Try one recipe at a time and watch how your plants respond. With a little care, your indoor garden will always stay green, healthy, and full of life.
