Did you know that trees kept in containers need fertilizer more than the ones planted on the ground? In that regard, your fig trees will require fertilizers twice per annum. Feed them a well-balanced fertilizer both in the spring and during the fall and they will blossom in a way that will exceed your wildest expectations.
However, it should be duly noted that how and when you should feed fertilizer to your fig trees will depend on several key factors. Some of the factors you must consider include the soil type, soil fertility, weather conditions, and the location of your farm.
Fig will grow reasonably well in most soil types. However, you must be vigilant about the type of fertilizer you feed to your fig tree. There are a huge variety of brands all across the market but not all of them are good enough. Here is a comprehensive list of the best you can rely on.
1. Slow-Release Fertilizer by Perfect Plants
This formulation is made to help brighten leaf color and make them glossy and rigid. The pellet formula will also toughen the trunk of your trees. They will not break easily despite weather turbulence.
This is the perfect kind of fertilizer for ornamental fiddle-leaf fig plant fertilization. It releases essential nutrients over 6 months therefore it is the type that you apply and then forget for the next six months.
The nutrients in the fertilizer are consistent. They will continue to be released every time your plants are watered. This comes very conveniently as it will save you time and energy of having to repetitively mix the liquids together.
Pros
- Very easy to use and apply.
- Safe and gentle on the roots.
- Makes the leaves vibrant, glossy, and stable.
- Makes branches sturdy and the trunk tough.
- Releases essential nutrients over 6 months.
- Convenient and time-saving.
- Perfect even for indoor house plants.
Cons
- None found.
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Plant Food for Ficus Lyrata
All trees need specific nutrients to be able to thrive. Nutrients are good for a plant’s growth and health.
This particular fertilizer is specially formulated to provide optimal nutrition with no risk of burning your plant. It contains no urea or any harmful chemicals. Its formulation is meant to be used every time you water your trees all year round.
This non-toxic fertilizer is certified and tested in an independent lab for safety. It is easy to mix with water. However, if you are not confident on how to go about it, the fertilizer comes with a free fiddle leaf care webinar and e-book that will help you with usage directions.
Pros
- Easy to use and apply.
- Calcium-fortified and urea free.
- Last for 6 months to a year after application.
- Helps with healthy leaf, stem, and root growth.
- It is safe and gentle to use.
- Makes the foliage lush, graceful, and glossy.
Cons
- Overfeeding the plants with the fertilizer could be harmful.
3. EarthPods Fig and Ficus Plant Food
This fertilizer contains 100% organic nutrients with natural growth hormones. It also consists of trace minerals and beneficial soil microbes in a form uninterruptedly available to your fig trees.
They are designed to stimulate robust root growth, stem and leaf development, as well as color vibrancy for all live fiddle leaf. This fertilizer does not release any unpleasant smell. There is no requirement to measure and calculate the ratios. Most of the fertilizers can cause a real mess especially when mixing but this does not create any mess whatsoever.
This eco-friendly fertilizer contains nutrients such as trace minerals, soil life, and humates in a form that can be utilized immediately by the plants. Because of their eco-friendly nature, they can be safe to be stored on kitchen shelves. Recycle the empty paperboard tubes when done.
Pros
- Stimulates robust plant growth.
- Fast and easy to apply.
- No mess, no smell, no measuring during and after application.
- Contains an earthpod that breaks down and slow-releases nutrients directly to the roots.
- Contains nutrients like trace minerals, soil life, and humates.
- Eco-friendly and compact.
- Recyclable paperboard tubes.
- Safe and healthy for a happy plant life.
Cons
- Takes time to give results.
4. Jobe’s Organics 09521 EMW7493448 All-purpose Fertilizer
This fast-acting organic granular fertilizer works best with flowers, vegetables, shrubs, trees, and plants. They are best applied to outdoor vegetation and they are a supplement to any liquid fertilizer.
They are designed to improve soil conditions and to help plants become resistant to diseases and insects, especially during the growing season. The fertilizer contains proprietary microorganism archaea that aggressively breaks down material for faster results.
This fertilizer has been listed for organic gardening by the USDA. They come in resealable bags with guaranteed analysis. It doesn’t need to be frequently applied as liquid fertilizer. The only deal-breaker is the strong unpleasant smell.
Pros
- They are fast-acting.
- Certified by USDA with no synthetic chemicals.
- Contains Jobe’s biozome that gives faster results.
- Renewable, biodegradable, sustainable, and good for the environment.
- Safe for the plants when used exactly as instructed.
- Last longer than liquid fertilizer.
- Fully absorbed right at the root level.
Cons
- Produces a strong unpleasant smell.
- It can burn the plants if not used as directed.
5. Jobe’s Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes
This efficient organic fertilizer is designed to make your rooted trees flourish. Leaves are sure to be glossy without having to use any other special treatment. It doesn’t create any mess especially during the preparation stage. It is fuss-free and requires little water.
The formulation of this fertilizer is aimed at creating a healthy eco-system. They are designed to increase root mass and to promote plant growth in general. This fertilizer will help your garden resist drought, diseases, and insects.
This fertilizer is a mixture of healthy bacteria, archaea, and mycorrhizal fungi that allows for long term benefits. They are available in a 6 pack resealable pouch.
Pros
- An efficient delivery system for organics.
- Ideal for fruit and citrus trees.
- Available as a 6 pack re-sealable pouch.
- Safe for use in organic gardening.
- Easy and safe to use.
- Make for fast, easy, and mess-free fertilizing.
- Money-back guarantee and satisfaction.
Cons
- Produces real bad smell.
- Can burn plants if not used as directed.
6. Miracle-Gro 1048291 Shake ‘n Feed Continuous-release Plant Food
This continuously released plant food is excellent for fig tree fertilizer. This is because nitrogen and potassium often get depleted quicker. On the other hand, additional potassium, iron and sulfur, and magnesium help prevent common nutrient deficiencies.
The fertilizer comes in a 4.5lb container that can last for over 3 months. All you need to do is shake the recommended amount well. Expect your plants to be safe and glowing.
The fertilizer has been certified as people and pet safe. It has also been verified as non-GMO and certified as organic. The fertilizer is manufactured in the United States from sustainable ingredients. If not satisfied, there is a money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Non-GMO project verified.
- Contains added potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and iron.
- Feed up to 3 months, 4 pounds bag, 6sq feet.
- NPK certified organic.
- Do not overfeed or burn when used as directed.
- No mixing is required before use.
- It is applied through sprinkling around the tree.
- Efficient delivery system for organics.
- Improve common nutrient deficiencies.
- Supports root strength and development.
Cons
- Not easy to use as indicated.
- If you do not apply as directed, it can burn and destroy the health of your plants.
7. Espoma Potash
This is an enriched bag of potassium that is designed to promote plant vigor and disease resistance. This fertilizer is very crucial for bud and fruit development in trees. The best part of it is that it doesn’t add extra nitrogen which tends to burn the roots. Nitrogen also promotes vegetative growth instead of fruiting.
The crucial part before purchasing potassium for your fig-trees, you have to get the soil tested. If the soil lacks potassium, there is no need to purchase the balanced fertilizer but instead, you can always opt for this enriching option.
You should apply this fertilizer using a drop or broadcast spreader at the recommended rate. Espoma potash is ideal for all flowering plants, shrubs, trees, and vegetables. It comes in a 6-pound bag with an analysis of 0-0-60.
Pros
- Enriched with a source of potassium.
- Applied using a drop or broadcast spreader.
- Easy and safe to use.
- Nutrient ratio: 0-0-60.
- Promotes plant vigor and disease resistance.
- Granular for easy application.
- Crucial for bud and fruit development in trees.
Cons
- Not a well-balanced fertilizer as it contains only potassium.
- The soil must be tested before using the fertilizer.
8. Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer
Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer contains probiotic, seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto and endo mycorrhizae which stimulates hearty root development. It gives exceptional results as nutrients are released quickly.
This fertilizer comes in consistent premium quality. It is 100% natural with organic formula. It is more nutritious for fruits and provides stable consistent plant growth. However, it does not have the growth spike element which most fertilizers in the market have.
Being 100% organic and containing natural ingredients, the fertilizer contains no GMO, sewage manure, or sewage sludge. On the other hand, it contributes to drought tolerance and enhanced nutrients availability. This fertilizer also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers when used as directed.
Pros
- Stimulates healthy root development.
- Made with 100% organic and natural ingredients.
- Contains no GMO, chicken manure, or sewage sludge.
- Feeds for several months.
- Contains probiotic, seven champions strains of beneficial soil microbes
- More nutritious fruits with no growth spikes.
- The nutrients are released quickly to the plants.
- Consistent premium quality.
- Contributes to drought resistance and enhanced nutrients availability.
- Eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers when used as directed.
Cons
- Absorbed at a slower rate because it is solid.
9. Miracle-Grow Leaf Shine, 8 Shine
This is a special kind of fertilizer for your fig tree. Unlike the others, it is specially formulated to be applied to the leaves and not on the roots. Its formulation is meant to clean all hard-leaved foliage plants.
This fertilizer is odor-free therefore you will not sneeze or have to wear protective gear while using it. The best part is that it won’t clog the leaves. It will penetrate the vein directly the way moisturizers penetrate human skin.
The fertilizer is best applied when plant leaves appear spotty or dusty. It gives instant action by making the leaves shine in a glossy way. The fertilizer is water-based and contains mineral oils. It is also extremely easy and safe to use.
Pros
- Cleans and beautifies hard, dusty, and spotty leaves.
- It doesn’t clog the pores of the leaves.
- It is odor-free.
- It is safe and easy to use.
- It is water-based and contains mineral oils.
- Easy to use for misting plant leaves.
- It gives the leaves a glossy healthy look.
- Instant action.
Cons
- The spraying mechanism does not work well.
- Can destroy your plant completely if overused.
- Can react and burn the healthy leaves.
In Conclusion
Fig trees are very easy to plant and maintain whether you are planting them in a container or in the garden. However, just like any other plant, these figs require assistance in getting enough nutrients for healthy growth developments and to achieve a glossy look. Getting the right kind of fertilizer that is well balanced is the ultimate way to nurture and love your figs.