10 Best Plant Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus is a granular fertilizer designed for both indoor and outdoor plants, making it versatile for various gardeners. Its standout feature is the smart-release technology, which uses a special resin coating to gradually deliver nutrients over up to six months. This slow release helps reduce the risk of over-fertilizing or burning plants, supported by the product's no-burn pledge when used as directed.

The fertilizer contains 11 essential nutrients, including a balanced mix of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with important micronutrients. This broad nutrient profile supports healthy growth across many plant types and soil conditions. Osmocote is synthetic, which means the nutrients are precisely controlled for steady feeding but may be less appealing for gardeners seeking fully organic options. It works well with most soil pH levels, adding to its flexibility.

Application is straightforward—simply sprinkle the granules around plants—which suits users looking for low-maintenance care. One container (8 pounds) covers up to 300 square feet, making it efficient for medium-sized garden spaces. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus provides a long-lasting, easy-to-use fertilizer that supports a wide range of plants without frequent reapplication.

Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food is a liquid fertilizer designed to help indoor plants grow well by providing essential nutrients quickly. Miracle-Gro products typically contain a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium suited for a wide variety of houseplants, including snake plants, peace lilies, flowers, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a synthetic fertilizer, which means nutrients are readily available for fast absorption.

This product is easy to use—you can apply it directly to the soil with a pump or dilute it in water for watering, making it convenient for different pot sizes and preferences. Because it’s synthetic, it’s not organic, so it may not be the best choice if you prefer natural fertilizers. The liquid form allows for immediate feeding, which can be an advantage for quick growth boosts, but regular application is necessary as nutrients do not remain in the soil as long as slow-release types.

This fertilizer is a strong option if you want an easy and effective way to feed a variety of indoor plants, especially if you’re looking for something straightforward and fast-acting. Just keep in mind that for sensitive plants or specific soil conditions, you might need to check if this product matches your needs.

Scotts Succulent Plant Food is a liquid fertilizer specially designed for succulents like cacti, jade, and aloe. It is convenient because it feeds plants instantly and can be applied directly to the soil or diluted with water, giving flexibility in how you care for your plants. The product is meant to be used every two weeks, which helps maintain consistent nutrition without overfeeding.

Branded under Miracle-Gro, it is a synthetic fertilizer, meaning it delivers nutrients in a readily available form but does not improve soil health like organic options might. This fertilizer is generally compatible with the pH range that succulents prefer, but if you have very sensitive soil conditions, you might want to test your soil first. The liquid form is a great advantage for quick absorption but requires careful dosing to avoid fertilizer burn.

Scotts Succulent Plant Food provides an easy, reliable feeding option for succulent owners looking for a synthetic liquid fertilizer that suits the specific needs of these plants, though those preferring organic solutions might look elsewhere.