10 Things to Consider When Buying NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer

17, Mar. 2025

 

Fertilizer Numbers: What They Mean and What to Look For

Numbers Fertilizer Type Best for 10-10-10 Complete balanced fertilizer Any stage of plant growth 10-20-10 High in phosphorus Flowers, fruit, and roots 20-10-10 High in nitrogen Leaf growth and color 10-10-20 High in potassium Roots and stems

The numbers on commercially produced fertilizers indicate the percentage of each main ingredient in the mixture. The first number indicates the percentage amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer, the second number indicates the amount of phosphorous, and the third number indicates the amount of potassium.

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What Does NPK Stand For?

NPK in fertilizer stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). These are the three main nutrients, also called primary or macronutrients, that plants need to grow healthy leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruit.

Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be included in equal or varied amounts depending on the intended purpose of the fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes healthy leaves and green foliage growth. Phosphorous helps roots, flowers, and fruit growth. Potassium encourages stronger stems and fast growth.

What Do Fertilizer Numbers Mean? 

The actual numbers on the fertilizer label often vary slightly from the chart above. Organic fertilizers are typically less concentrated than synthetic fertilizers, so the numbers will be lower. For example, an organic bulb fertilizer with the numbers 3-5-3 contains more phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium. 

Fertilizers are made with different nutrient ratios to suit specific plant needs. For many plants, a fertilizer that contains all three nutrients in equal amounts'this is known as a complete balanced fertilizer'is just fine.

Depending on the type of plant and/or its growth stage, it is important to select a fertilizer with a higher amount of one of the nutrients. For flowering or fruiting plants, a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content is often better, and for targeting leafy growth (like on a lawn), a fertilizer with mostly nitrogen is the best choice. 

What Nutrients Should You Look For? 

Most fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium with additional micronutrients and fillers. If you purchase a 10-10-10 fertilizer, the remaining 70 percent contains other ingredients that are necessary for the main nutrients to combine and absorb into the soil properly'plus, they provide extra benefits to your plants. 

Fertilizers often contain some of the more than a dozen other nutrients. Plants only need those macronutrients in small amounts but they play an important role because deficiency causes a wide range of problems. Important micronutrients include: 

  • Magnesium: Both too little and too much magnesium in the soil is harmful to plants. Too much magnesium interferes with calcium uptake whereas too little can lead to reduced leaf growth, chlorosis in the leaf margins, and yellowing between the leaf veins, as well as leaf cupping. Magnesium is a macronutrient often lacking in vegetable gardens.
  • Calcium: A deficiency in calcium leads to poor bud growth, dying root tips, blossom end rot, and overall weak growth.
  • Copper: If the new growth on your plants is small, misshaped, or wilted, it might be due to copper deficiency.
  • Zinc: This macronutrient is responsible for healthy leaf growth. Zinc deficiency shows up as small and distorted leaves as well as chlorosis.
  • Manganese: Chlorosis between the leaf veins and later brown spots are a sign of manganese deficiency. Too much manganese, however, also hampers plant growth.
  • Boron: Without boron, plants are unable to set seed.

How to Pick the Right Fertilizer Numbers 

Before you start shopping for a fertilizer, make sure to get your soil tested. Without asoil test, you can only guess what you actually need.

A complete soil test will also tell you the pH of your soil, which is crucial because it impacts the availability of nutrients to plants. It is best to get a soil test done by a professional soil laboratory (you can often get soil test kits through your local cooperative extension office).

The following quick checklist will help you determine which fertilizer you need: 

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  1. Match the fertilizer to your plants. Determine whether it is sufficient to feed them a complete balanced fertilizer, or whether they need a special boost for leaf growth (nitrogen) or root growth, flowering, and fruiting (phosphorus). 
  2. Determine whether you need liquid or dry fertilizer. While liquid fertilizer offers a quick nutrient boost, dry fertilizer will give a slow-release of nutrients. Consider which is better for your plant's needs.
  3. Identify the plants with specific fertilizer needs. For example, there are specially formulated fertilizers for acid-loving plants. Or, if you've had problems with blossom end rot of tomatoes in the past, make sure to feed your plants tomato fertilizers with an adequate amount of calcium. 
  4. Carefully read the label before buying fertilizer. You might not find a fertilizer with the exact ratio recommended in your soil test but understanding what fertilizer numbers mean lets you pick a similar product.

Organic vs. Conventional Fertilizer

The final thing you'll need to consider when choosing a fertilizer is whether to buy organic or conventional. Conventional fertilizer can come from a variety of different sources, but it is made from inorganic material. They are usually fast-acting and water-soluble. While they can help give your plant a nutrient boost, they won't necessarily improve the soil quality. If you apply too much conventional fertilizer, you could risk burning/damaging your plants.

How to Choose a Fertilizer For Your Indoor Plant

    Choosing what fertilizer to buy for your indoor plant can seem like a daunting task, but don't worry, it's really not all that complicated.  I'm here to guide you through the steps in how to choose which one will work best for you.  I do recommend reading '4 Things To Know BEFORE Fertilizing Your Indoor Plant' before you read any further.

NPK ' The 3 Big Nutrients in Your Fertilizer

    First off, you need to know that fertilizers are categorized by three numbers, NPK, which refer to the percentage of active ingredients of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorous), and K (potassium).  They will always be listed in that order and different plants have varying needs of each nutrient. 

Nitrogen helps with the 'green-ness' factor of your plant and the growth of it's leaves. 

Phosphorus helps root and flower development and can be particularly important for flowering indoor plants such as orchids. 

Potassium helps general cellular functions such as regulating the stomatas and catalyzing the plants enzymes.

Consider Specialized Fertilizers

    If you have a flowering indoor plant or an indoor plant that is a bit more delicate, consider getting it a specialized fertilizer rather than just using an all-purpose one.  They contain the nutrients needed for these plants to flower and do the best they can.  If you are looking to fertilize an orchid, azalea, or poinsettia, I'd especially recommend looking into one of the fertilizers listed below.

All-Purpose Fertilizers

    In general, your houseplant will do just fine with an all-purpose fertilizer about every month in spring and summer months.  Some fertilizers are liquid and are directly added to water while others are powder and can be dissolved in your water.  Either one works great for your indoor plants. 

I recommend using a fertilizer with an NPK of 20-20-20, 10-15-10, or a 15-30-15.  Professionals will often use a specialized 24-8-16 but an all purpose fertilizer will serve you and your indoor plants just fine.  Any general brand should work just fine but below I've linked the fertilizers I've personally used and can recommend confidently.

    And that's it!  Fertilizer can help with plant health and optimum growth though it's not always necessary.  Although, I do highly recommend being strict about fertilizing if you have a palm due to their slower vascular systems.

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