Fig trees are known to be low-maintenance.
But like any other plant, they are versatile and need nutrients from fertilizers once they start to grow.
Finding the best fertilizer can be difficult, and it is important to find a proper one, so you do not end up over-fertilizing your plant.
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 3 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
Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees
Fig Trees
Fig trees are known as fruit-bearing, as well as being 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.
But this does not change the fact that eventually, they need to be fed, and finding the right fertilizer is important.
This guide will help you find a fertilizer that won’t over-fertilize your fig tree.
Continue to read as we will share with you the best nutritious fertilizers.
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.
This is because Dr. Earths’ organic fruit tree fertilizer is capable of fertilizing just about 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 as well as zero GMO-infested manure.
The natural contents also contain Trubiotic soil microbes, which help with the disintegration of 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 overall improve the plant’s health.
This fertilizer is also listed in the OMRI, which further proves that 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 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.
Potted Fig Trees indoors need less fertilizer than outdoors
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.
It’s 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 that make 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
- Its 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.
You can use Water-Soluble Fertilizers, liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizers for Fig Trees
Earth Pods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula- Best Spike Fertilizer
This fertilizer is not as messy as other fertilizers as you simply need to strike the spike into the soil. These spikes have a slow-release formula.
The brand Earth Pods have the perfect formula made for these spike fertilizers that can help replicate your soil to look like a forest-like earth soil.
This is also another organic fertilizer, and it contains many different nutrients, as well as growth hormones (which are organic), microbes, and other trace materials.
In order to give the soil a similar pattern to the one found in forests, this fertilizer contains humic, amino acids, and pelvic.
Earth pods fertilizer has a formula that helps promote solid roots and stems, as well as 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.
Other than 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.
Fig Trees are self-pollinating
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, as well as a healthy plant structure.
This plant food is most often used for fig plants that are placed indoors. This is because it does not have any odor and is simple to use due to its liquid form.
It has an NPK ratio of 3-1-2, which is perfect for fig trees.
In order 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 will 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.
Well balanced fertilizers are best for Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees
Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes for Fruit and Citrus- Best Organic Fertilizer
This is a spike fertilizer from Jobes fertilizer spikes that is perfect for use on fruit and citrus trees.
It is also an organic spike fertilizer that is premeasured and will be able to feed your plant for up to two to three months.
This plant food has an NPK ratio of 8-11-11, and it contains beneficial things such as Mycorrhizal fungi, as well as 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, along with making it safe to be used in houses with pets and children.
It is also OMRI listed, which shows that the fertilizer is made with the use of 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.
Well balanced fertilizers are best for Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees
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 appropriate for fig trees as well since it has an NPK ratio of 24-8-16.
This fertilizer is also water-soluble. Meaning this fertilizer should be stirred with water to help your plant get its nourishments instantly.
Not only is it great for fig plants, but it can also be used for other outdoor plants, shrubs, and flowers.
This fertilizer only needs to 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.
Fig Trees need well-draining soil
Urban Farm Premium Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer- Best Hybrid Mix Fertilizer
This is a handcrafted fertilizer that 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 fertilizer is extremely concentrated and 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
Fig Tree in a pot
JR Peters Jacks Classic Citrus FeED (Water Soluble)- Best Fertilizer Overall for Potted Fig
JR peters’ Jack’s classic citrus FeED fertilizer is a plant food that has been 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 due to the fact that 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 it 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 2 application methods, either through soil and 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 it is an organic fertilizer.
This fertilizer is considered to be the best alternative to premium fruit tree fertilizer by Dr.Earth or Jobes organic fertilizers.
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 that does not have any fillers and sludges. This brand prides itself when it comes to zero raw substance waste.
Espoma fertilizer also has low salts and also has 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.
A pH from 6.0-8.0 is best for potted fig trees
Buyers Guide for Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees
Water-Soluble Fertilizers
Water-soluble fertilizers deliver nutrients once they are dissolved in water, unlike granular or slow-releasing fertilizers.
This makes water-soluble fertilizers give plants faster access to nutrients.
Water-soluble fertilizers need to be dissolved in water. This is so that 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 that they are supplying to their fig trees.
Soluble fertilizers always have the NPK ratio written 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 need to be reapplied frequently.
Winner: Miracle-Gro Water-Soluble & All-Purpose Plant Food
Liquid Fertilizers
Liquid fertilizers are almost always made of inorganic substances that are produced on an industrial level.
Liquid fertilizers will 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 will contain the basic NPK formula as well, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Liquid fertilizer’s popularity has grown over the past few years.
They can be applied straight on the plant’s leaves or into the soil.
When it is applied to the foliage, the plant absorbs the nutrients through the leaves, and this makes 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.
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 an essential part of plant care and can greatly affect how well your plant grows.
It will take some examination and understanding about fig trees to properly cultivate them.
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 can be served raw in many cuisines.
- Fig trees grown in pots need soil that has good drainage. Adding wood dust can help increase the drainage for 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 that has 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 it can cause your plant to die.
You need to make sure that your fertilized fig tree is kept in a sandy location and has other neighboring plants.
Adding fertilizers such as liquid seaweed, compost, manure tea is sufficient as a 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 levels of nutrients like synthetic ones, they do keep the environment safe and clean.
Fig trees that have been planted in pots do not need as much fertilizer as the ones planted on the ground.
Over-fertilizing your fig tree can cause less fruit growth, and it makes your plant more prone to diseases, as well as 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, then 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 of the required amount in comparison 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 simply need to find the best feed for your plant and other basic plant care tips about it.
Without feed, your fig tree may produce lesser or no fruit at all. Thus, fertilizing is important to get lush green leaves and healthier fruits.
When fertilizing your fig tree, take an approach that makes it easy for you 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 an easier plant to take care of as compared to others. But if not provided with proper sunlight, then they can die.
Thus, you have to 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, just click the link to purchase them.
I hope you found the list of the Best Fertilizers for Potted Fig Trees useful!
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.