Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees — My Favorites [2023]

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You are reading this article to learn about the best fertilizers for potted fig trees. I have several fig trees on my balcony and take them indoors in winter. In spring and summer, I fertilize them monthly using liquid fertilizer.

Fertilizing Fig Trees

Fig trees are known to be low-maintenance.

Figs need nutrients from fertilizers when growing in pots, as the nutrients in potting soil are not endless.

Making the right fertilizer choice for fig trees can be difficult as the right choice depends on your specific circumstances and the micro- and macronutrient in the soil mix you use.

The most important macronutrients are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), according to Cornell University.

According to Clemson University, nitrogen (N) is the most needed nutrient for Potted Fig Trees.

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Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees

The best fertilizers for potted fig trees are well-balanced fertilizers such as NPK 8-8-8 ratio or 10-10-10 and a pH between 6.0-8.0. Use 1 oz of fertilizer monthly from the beginning of the growing season till the end of July for trees up to 2 years old. Fertilize larger plants three times a year, spaced throughout the growing season.

The best fertilizers for potted fig trees are:

• Best Slow-Release Fertilizer for Potted Fig Trees – Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Premium Fruit Tree Fertilizer
• Best Fruit Tree Fertilizer for Potted Fig Trees – Jobe’s Organic All-Purpose Granular Plant Food
• Best Spike Fertilizer for Potted Fig Trees – Earth Pods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula

Fig Trees

Fig trees are known as fruit-bearing as well as ornamental trees. 

They are used as ornamental plants indoors.

An indoor fig tree requires significantly less fertilizer than an outdoor fig tree.

Most of the time, indoor fig trees may not even need to be fertilized for months. 

This guide will help you find a fertilizer that won’t over-fertilize your fig tree.

Best Fertilizer for Potted Fig Tree

Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Premium Fruit Tree Fertilizer- Best Slow-Release Fertilizer

This is one of the most common fruit tree fertilizers used in the market. 

Dr. Earths’ organic fruit tree fertilizer can fertilize any fruit-bearing plant.

With an NPK ratio of 5-5-2, this fertilizer can feed fig trees regardless of whether they are grown indoors or outdoors. 

You can use this for other fruit-bearing plants and fruiting vines.

This is a slow-releasing granular fertilizer that is handcrafted from the finest material. 

It has kelp meal, probiotics, seaweed extracts, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, Mycorrhizae, soft rock, fishbone meal, phosphate, feather meal, and potassium sulfate.

Not only is this fertilizer organic, but it also has zero synthetic content and zero GMO-infested manure.

The natural contents also contain Trubiotic soil microbes, which help disintegrate nutrients in the soil. 

This allows the fig tree to absorb the nutrients at a faster rate.

The Trubiotic microbes can help increase the fig tree’s drought tolerance, make it resistant to unwanted pests, and improve the plant’s health. 

This fertilizer is also listed in the OMRI, proving it is completely organic.

Pros

• It is an organic fertilizer
• It is environmentally friendly
• It can be used in homes with animals and kids
• It is OMRI listed
• The slow-releasing formula also reduces the chances of over-fertilization

Cons

• Unpleasant smell due to the natural ingredients in it
• The smell can attract animals such as cats

Have a look at this fig tree fertilizer here.

Jobe’s Organic All-Purpose Granular Plant Food- Best Fruit Tree Fertilizer

The Jobes organic fertilizer is known to be amazing when it comes to providing nourishing ingredients to plants without causing any harm to the surrounding environment.

Its NPK ratio is 4:4:4. Not only is it slow-releasing, but it is a granular formula that can be used to fertilize your plant for four to six weeks. 

This fertilizer has been made from several organic substances such as nitrogen, processed manure, phosphorus, feather meal, and potassium.

This fertilizer also contains a Biozome that has many useful microorganisms which are known to help with the breaking down of nutrients. 

These nutrients then become readily available for the fig tree to use.

This fertilizer has many organic substances. Other ingredients are also present in it, making it resistant to drought, disease, and pests. 

Because of the organic substances, the fertilizer is known to be favored by gardeners who have children and pets at home. 

But the odor can make it unpleasant to use for some indoor farmers.

Pros

• It is an organic fertilizer
• It’s environmentally friendly
• It’s generally safe for kids and pets.
• OMRI listed
• Overfeeding is reduced due to the slow-releasing formula.

Cons

• It has an odor

Have a look at this fertilizer here.

Earth Pods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula- Best Spike Fertilizer

This fertilizer is not as messy as other fertilizers; you need to strike the spike into the soil. These spikes have a slow-release formula.

The brand Earth Pods has the perfect formula for these spike fertilizers that can help replicate your soil to look like a forest-like earth soil.

This organic fertilizer contains many different nutrients, growth hormones (organic), microbes, and other trace materials.

This fertilizer contains humic, amino acids, and pelvic to give the soil a similar pattern to the one found in forests.

Earth pods fertilizer has a formula that helps promote solid roots and stems and lush foliage on your fig tree. 

It can also help your fig tree recover from side effects caused by under-fertilizing, drought, or disease.

The slow-releasing fertilizer should be applied after every two to three weeks. It can also be used for Solothea, Schefflera, Monstera, and Golden Pothos.

Besides being pet and child-friendly, this fertilizer can also be used for up to five years for just one fig tree. 

Just place the spike along the drip line of your fig tree, then you will never have a problem with fertilization.

Pros

• Pet and environmentally friendly
• Organic
• Slow-releasing
• No smell
• Zero mess
• Great for indoor and outdoor fig trees

Cons

• It can be a bit pricy

Learn more about this spike fertilizer here.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food for Ficus Lyrata- Best Liquid Fertilizer

Fiddle-lead Fig Plant Foods is a great option as well for indoor gardeners. It has been created to promote lush green leaves and a healthy plant structure.

This plant food is most often used for fig plants that are placed indoors. It has no odor and is simple to use due to its liquid form.

It has an NPK ratio of 3-1-2, perfect for fig trees. 

To keep your fig tree’s leaves green and bright, the fertilizer also has calcium, microorganisms from the soil biome, and phytonutrients.

It is better to use this fertilizer while watering your fig tree. It does not have any urea in it, which makes it environmentally friendly, and it has a lower risk of burning your fig plant.

Fiddle-leaf Fig Plant Food can be used for up to six months. 

When you apply it again after six months, you only need to add five ml of it into sixteen fluid ounces of water.

Pros

• This fertilizer has been made especially for a fig tree
• There are zero risks of plant burning
• It is urea free
• It contains nutrients such as calcium

Cons

• The formula can stain items placed indoors or even outdoors.

Check this liquid fertilizer here.

Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes for Fruit and Citrus- Best Organic Fertilizer

This spike fertilizer from Jobes fertilizer spikes is perfect for use on fruit and citrus trees. 

It is also a premeasured organic spike fertilizer that can feed your plant for up to two to three months.

This plant food has an NPK ratio of 8-11-11 and contains beneficial things such as Mycorrhizal fungi and Healthy bacteria. 

This spike is made from Biozome, Potash, Manure, Bone meal, and feather meal.

The slow-releasing formula present within this spike makes it perfect for potted fig trees. This is because potted fig trees only need small nutrient amounts gradually. 

The fertilizer’s organic nature makes it suitable for the environment and safe to use in houses with pets and children.

It is also listed OMRI, which shows that the fertilizer is made using organic substances such as manure or bone meal.

Pros

• It can be used in homes with pets and children
• It’s an organic fertilizer
• It is a slow-releasing fertilizer

Cons

• It has a really strong odor.

Find this fig tree fertilizer here.

Miracle-Gro Water-Soluble & All-Purpose Plant Food- Best Water-Soluble Fertilizer

Miracle-Gro all-purpose plant food is one of the most popular fertilizers in the market. 

This all-purpose fertilizer is also appropriate for fig trees since it has an NPK ratio of 24-8-16.

This fertilizer is also water-soluble. This fertilizer should be stirred with water to help your plant get its nourishments instantly.

It is great for fig plants and can also be used for other outdoor plants, shrubs, and flowers.

This fertilizer must only be applied every seven to fourteen days to see a good outcome.

Fig trees require less fertilizer; thus, you can read the instructions and divide the suggested amount in half.

Pros

• It does not have a smell
• Safe to use at homes that have pets and children
• Feeds your plant instantly

Cons

• It is not organic
• It can be messy

Have a look at this fig tree fertilizer here.

Urban Farm Premium Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer- Best Hybrid Mix Fertilizer

This handcrafted fertilizer can be perfect for you if you wish to use a fertilizer that contains both hydroponic and organic substances. 

This fertilizer by Urban farms is a liquid fertilizer that can feed all fruit and citrus trees.

The fertilizer contains an NPK ratio of 4.5-2.0-4.2 and is made of humic acid, worm casts, minerals, Mycorrhizal, enzymes, calcium, and kelp. It is a hybrid of organic substances and minerals.

This extremely concentrated fertilizer can make two-hundred and fifty-six gallons of fertilizer once diluted. 

Despite its high-quality ingredients, it is not useable in every state since it has the possibility of phosphorus runoff.

Pros

• It is a hybrid mix fertilizer
• It is handcrafted weekly

Cons

• It has the possibility of phosphorus runoff

Have a look here.

JR Peters Jacks Classic Citrus FeED (Water Soluble)- Best Fertilizer Overall for Potted Fig

JR Peters’ Jack’s classic citrus FeED fertilizer is a food specially made for plants such as fig trees. This fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 20:10:20, and it is water-soluble.

The fast results are because every time you water your plant, the fertilizer provides nutrients that then travel into the plant’s system. 

This plant food has several micronutrients that are enhanced to help fig trees grow stronger branches, fruits, and lovely foliage.

This fertilizer can be used as a spray and is also fit to use on the roots of your fig trees. 

Many gardeners appreciate this brand because of its packaging. The containers of the fertilizer are made of plastic, which is water-resistant.

Pros

• It does not have a smell
• It has packaging that does not get damaged because of water
• There are two application methods, either through soil or foliar.

Cons

• It is not an organic fertilizer

Take a look at this fertilizer here.

Espoma Organic Tree Tone Fruit & Shade Tree Food- Best Pet & Kid Friendly Fertilizer

Espoma organic tree-tone fruit and shade tree fertilizer is a great choice if you’re seeking a fertilizer for mature fig trees. 

It has an NPK ratio of 6:3:2 and is an organic fertilizer.

Dr. Earth or Jobes organic fertilizers consider This fertilizer the best alternative to premium fruit tree fertilizer. 

The Espomas fruit and shade tree fertilizer is a slow-releasing fertilizer that contains biotin microbes.

The components in this fertilizer help better soil conditions. 

The fertilizer also contains 0.5% magnesium and 5% calcium which helps your fig tree get all the nourishment it needs for healthier plant growth.

The Espoma fertilizer is an all-natural fertilizer with no fillers or sludges. This brand prides itself when it comes to zero raw substance waste.

Espoma fertilizer also has low salts and zero risks of burning plants. 

Pros

• It is listed in the CDFA
• It is an organic fertilizer
• It contains Ezra nutrients which help nourish fig trees
• It is kid and pet friendly

Cons

• It has a bad smell to it due to organic substances.

Have a look at this product here.

Buyers Guide for Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees

Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Unlike granular or slow-releasing fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers deliver nutrients once they are dissolved in water. 

This makes water-soluble fertilizers give plants faster access to nutrients.

Water-soluble fertilizers need to be dissolved in water. This is so the plant can easily suck in the nutrients through the soil when it takes up water.

Water-soluble fertilizers also make it a lot easier for plant owners to control the number of nutrients they supply to their fig trees. 

Soluble fertilizers always have the NPK ratio on the label, but the exact percentage is not mentioned, so competitors cannot copy them.

Since water-soluble fertilizers are easily broken down, the plant gets an instant boost from the nutrients. 

There is also a reduced chance of over-fertilizing your plant since water-soluble fertilizers must be reapplied frequently.

Winner: Miracle-Gro Water-Soluble & All-Purpose Plant Food

Liquid Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers are almost always made of inorganic substances produced on an industrial level. 

Liquid fertilizers usually include nitrogenous fertilizers, aqueous ammonia, ammoniates, a concentrated solution of ammonium nitrate, anhydrous liquid ammonia, and urea (which is not environmentally friendly).

These fertilizers contain the basic NPK formula, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Liquid fertilizer’s popularity has grown over the past few years.

They can be applied straight to the plant’s leaves or soil. 

When applied to the foliage, the plant absorbs nutrients through the leaves, making it more readily available for the plant.

Even though foliage-applied nutrients do not last long to absorb, it still is a great way to supply your plant with nutrients during the growing season. 

The foliage application is great to use when correcting any mid-season deficiencies. 

Winner: Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food for Ficus Lyrata

Things to Know About Fig Trees

Fertilization of fig trees is essential to Ficus carica plant care and can greatly affect how well your plant grows. 

Cultivating them properly will take some examination and understanding of fig trees.

Following are some of the basic things you must always know regarding fig trees:

• Fig trees do not need pollen to produce fruits since it is self-reliant.
• Various fig tree varieties can thrive in colder temperatures.
• Fig tree fruits can be sweet or served raw in many cuisines.
• Fig trees grown in pots need soil that has good drainage. Adding wood dust can help increase the drainage of your fig tree soil.
• Outdoor figs are present in more variety, and each type can require a different form of soil. The ideal soil for any fig plant is high lime and sandy loam soil with a pH of 8.0 or 6.0.
• Fig trees can grow up to ten meters tall
• Lasts 2-3 days in cool storage.
• Provides large amounts of vitamin A, calcium, fiber, iron, and potassium.
• They are also used to make laxatives.
• The fig trees’ fruiting cycle is four to five months. The fig tree can produce fruit once every two years.
• The fig tree fruit ripens during the fall season.

Tips for Fertilizing Potted Fig Trees

When fertilizing your potted fig tree, you may want to avoid some things as they can cause your plant to die. 

You must ensure that your fertilized fig tree is kept in a sandy location and has other neighboring plants.

Adding fertilizers such as liquid seaweed, compost, and manure tea is sufficient as fertilizer. But you can also add seaweed extract once a month, from spring to summer.

The fig trees, like many other plants, grow healthy in soil that contains organic substances. 

While organic fertilizers do not provide high nutrients like synthetic ones, they keep the environment safe and clean.

Fig trees planted in pots do not need as much fertilizer as planted on the ground. 

Over-fertilizing your fig tree can cause less fruit growth, making your plant more prone to diseases and pests.

It is important to fertilize the fig tree when it grows slowly and has droopy leaves.

If the height of your fig tree is less than twelve inches once the growth season passes, it needs to be fertilized.

Usually, young fig trees will need only 28 grams or one ounce of plant food per month. 

Older fig trees require less fertilizer and may only need half the amount necessary compared to young fig trees.

If the plant does not mature, then do not fertilize it since that is caused by drought and by no means due to under-fertilization.

Conclusion About Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees

Growing fig trees outdoors or indoors is not extremely difficult.

You need to find the best feed for your plant and other basic plant care tips about it.

Without feed, your fig tree may produce less or no fruit. Thus, fertilizing is important to get lush green leaves and healthier fruits.

When fertilizing your fig tree, take an approach that makes it easy to know when the plant needs food. 

You can either opt for slow-releasing fertilizers or fast-releasing ones.

Choosing the right fertilizer type for your plant will help you be aware of your plant’s care. 

The fig tree is a more manageable plant to take care of than others. But if not provided with proper sunlight, then they can die.

Thus, you must keep your plant in an area with a lot of sunlight during its growing season. 

While finding one good fertilizer for all your plants may not seem plausible, there are options on the market that will allow you to use one for multiple varieties of plants.

Hopefully, the guide provided you with all your fertilization needs; if you like any fertilizers mentioned above, click the link to purchase them.

I hope you found the list of the best fertilizers for potted fig trees useful!

Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API