Growing a beautiful and productive fig tree in a container can be a breeze once you know which nutrients it needs.
The benefits of selecting the best fertilizer for fig trees in pots are huge. With a nutrient-rich soil and growth-promoting fertilizer, a fig tree can survive a stint without water (think of them in their natural habitat during Mediterranean summers), will be more likely to produce delicious figs and can grow quicker and stronger.
In this guide you will find out how to encourage this low-maintenance slow-grower, with recommendations for the best fertilizers to use to improve your fig tree’s health, growth and fruit production.
After thorough research and testing, the best fertilizer currently on the market for fig trees is Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer. This fertilizer has proven great for encouraging healthy and strong growth through its slow release of vital nutrients. Its gentle and organic nature proves ideal for the slow-growing fig tree, which can be damaged by over-fertilising.
But there are also many other great products, from the no-mess-no-fuss Tree Spikes from Jobe’s Organics which are specifically designed for fruit trees, to the environment-minded organic Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula from EarthPods.
Check out my top 7 potted fig tree fertilizers here:
- Best Overall: Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer
- Best Organic: EarthPods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula Fertilizer
- Best Liquid Fertilizer: Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food
- Best No Mess: Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes
- Best Premium: Down To Earth Citrus Mix
- Best Budget-Friendly: Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Granular
- Best Multi-Use: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles
Keep reading to find out all the details about the best fertilizer for fig trees in pots.
Product Reviews
Best Overall: Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer
Highlight:
Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer is a great slow-release option that can result in an increase in fig production as well as boosting the general health of your container fig tree.
As a slow release fertilizer, Natural Wonder Organic not only promotes healthy roots and fruit growth, it also encourages the development of a nutrient-rich soil. The Trubiotic soil microbes in the fertilizer help to break down nutrients, releasing them in the soil for fast absorption.
Due to its organic and gentle make-up, Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic can be used at any time of year (though fertilization in the winter is often unnecessary). It also helps to avoid root burn which can be caused by overly strong fertilizers.
If you are looking for quick signs of improvement in the health and production of your fig tree, this is your go-to fertilizer.
Key Features:
- NPK: 5 – 5 – 2
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes – and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) accredited!
- Smell: Though not as strong smelling as some other brands, the fishbone meal does give off a smell and can attract animals like cats.
- Multi-use: Yes, this fertilizer is great for all fruit trees, berries and fruiting vines.
- Vegan: No, it contains feather, fishbone and bone meal.
Best Organic: EarthPods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula Fertilizer
Highlight:
EarthPods Fiddle Leaf Fig & Ficus Formula Fertilizer not only has great organic credentials (and comes in a recycled tube), it is also vegan, pre-measured and causes no mess for a quick and simple application.
The EarthPods formula can successfully help stimulate fig tree root growth, stem and leaf development and enhance the color of your fiddle fig tree’s leaves.
Deliberately designed to replicate the nutrition-rich soil of the forest floor, EarthPods Fig & Ficus Formula is derived from essential bacteria and fungi, humic, pelvic and amino acids.
The suggested frequency of use is every 2 – 3 weeks and, due to the gentle nature of this fertilizer, can be used year round (though fertilization is often unnecessary in the dormant winter months).
Key Features:
- NPK: Not listed.
- Type: Spikes
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: No smell.
- Multi-use: Yes – the spikes work well for other leafy houseplants, such as monstera, dracaena, pothos and calathea.
- Vegan: Yes!
Best Liquid: Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food
Highlight:
The highlight of this Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food, other than the simple application, is that it is calcium-fortified. Plants like fig trees require calcium for resisting diseases and absorbing other nutrients from the soil, including nitrogen and water. This is a great option for a sad-looking fig tree that is prone to plant diseases and common pests.
The recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon for every 2 cups of water used when watering your fig tree (or 1 teaspoon per cup of water in the container if you water from the bottom up). It is suggested for year-long use when watering as it is gentle enough to use regularly (though fertilization is not needed in the winter).
This fertilizer option does come with a slight warning: the liquid can stain household items so be careful when applying this to plants in your home.
Key Features:
- NPK: 3 – 1 – 2
- Type: Liquid
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: No smell and great for indoor use.
- Multi-use: Although designed for Ficus lyrata, it can be used for any ficus variety and has even shown to benefit monstera plants too!
- Vegan: Information not provided.
Best No Mess: Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes
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Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes are a great no fuss, no measuring, no mess option. Simply insert the spikes (clear instructions as to the needed number of spikes per plant are provided on the pack) in the soil around the tree’s drip line (in line with the edge of the outermost leaves) – and that’s it!
The spikes are great for promoting tree root growth, helping your plant resist common plant diseases and avoiding root burn often caused by strong fertilizers and accidental over-fertilizing.
Just as with the Jobe’s Organics granular option, the spikes contain their unique Biozome formula which contains three essential microorganisms – bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and a unique species of Archaea – that quickly break down matter into essential nutrients.
Although they work out as more pricey per use, these fertilization spikes certainly take the ticket for easiest and least messy application.
Key Features:
- NPK: 4 – 6 – 6
- Type: Spikes
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: No smell.
- Multi-use: Yes – it is designed for use with potted fruit trees, like lemon, lime and orange trees.
- Vegan: No – contains feather and bone meal.
Best Premium: Down To Earth Citrus Mix
Highlight:
This premium fertilizer option comes from a small business with great environment-friendly credentials. Down To Earth’s Citrus Mix is fully organic (and accredited by the Organic Materials Review Institute).
Down To Earth’s Citrus Mix is ideal for perking up droopy or disease-prone fig trees. The slow release of nutrients is designed to nourish the soil as well as your tree, helping to provide the best conditions for fig tree success.
As a stronger fertilizer, it is recommended to use Citrus Mix four times per year for established trees and slightly more frequently for newer ones.
This is the ideal fertilizing option for fig trees (and other citrus plants) that need a little extra TLC to really prosper.
Key Features:
- NPK: 6 – 3 – 3
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes – and OMRI accredited!
- Smell: A better smell than some other natural products.
- Multi-use: Yes – it is designed to nourish all kinds of citrus trees in both outdoor orchards and indoor containers.
- Vegan: No – it contains feather and fishbone meal.
Best Budget-Friendly: Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Granular
Highlight:
Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Granular fertilizer is a fast-acting option that has shown to be particularly good for increasing yields.
Like Jobe’s Organics tree spikes, the granular option also contains their unique Biozome formula which speedily breaks down nutrients for fast absorption.
The balance of nutrients offered is great for fig trees and it can be used throughout the year. Jobe’s Organics recommends using their granular fertilizer in the late winter, late spring and early fall periods, but simply using it once every 4 – 6 weeks is ideal.
Key Features:
- NPK: 3 – 5 – 5
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes
- Smell: It does have a semi-strong, natural smell.
- Multi-use: Yes – it is designed for all fruit plants.
- Vegan: No – contains feather and bone meal.
Best Multi-Use: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles
Highlight:
Miracle-Gro’s Performance Organics for edibles is the best multi-use fertilizer that can make both your fig tree and other edible plants happy.
The nutrient balance is especially good, with the high potassium levels being particularly great for fruit growth. The 7% nitrogen makes this fertilizer perfect for use at the start of the growing season in spring to boost growth.
The recommended usage for this fertilizer is every 4 – 6 weeks, most especially in the spring and summer months.
Key Features:
- NPK: 7 – 6 – 9
- Type: Granular
- Organic: Yes – and OMRI accredited!
- Smell: Yes
- Multi-use: Yes – also great for other edible plants, like tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and fruits.
- Vegan: No – contains feather meal.
Buying Guide
5 Tips For Choosing The Best Fertilizer for Fig Trees in Pots
#1 NPK Ratio
The main thing to look out for when selecting a fertilizer for your fig tree is the NPK ratio – or the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (or potash) in the fertilizer.
These nutrients are key for fig tree growth, strength against diseases and pests and fruit development.
Nitrogen is essential for healthy fig tree growth and also helps the plant to maintain its lovely green leaf color and interesting leaf shape.
Phosphorus also helps your plant to grow but is equally important in allowing your plant to efficiently store and use energy.
Finally, potassium is the nutrient which helps your fig tree to produce delicious fruit and also helps the plant to protect itself against common plant diseases.
Although sources do not necessarily agree on the optimum NPK ratio for fig trees (and I have done a lot of research into the matter), I have personally found that a 3 – 5 – 6 ratio is ideal for promoting my plant’s growth, health and the development of a plentiful supply of sweet figs.
#2 Type
The type of fertilizer is also an important consideration. Liquid, granular and spike fertilizers will all help nourish your fig tree, but each type has their own particular benefits.
Liquid fertilizer is relatively easy to use (simply dilute it in your watering can) and it is especially great during the fruit season because it releases nutrients quickly.
Granular fertilizer is often a cheaper solution and can be easily bought in bulk. The slow release of nutrients is ideal for promoting strong growth over time. Although, it is not the simplest (or least messy) to use and some brands do come with a pungent natural smell.
Sticks are the easiest fertilizer option to use, causing the least mess. They don’t require measuring so are much harder to over-use (helping you to avoid the traumas of root burn). Like granules, sticks release their nutrients slowly, which is good for promoting growth and hardiness at the beginning and end of the growing season.
#3 Organic
The decision between synthetic and organic fertilizers comes down to whether you prioritize speedy growth or the environmental impact of your fertilizer usage more.
Synthetic fertilizers are usually more effective, but the price of this speedy growth is paid by the environment. It is also easier to over-apply your fertilizer if you opt for a synthetic one (which can result in root burn and stunted or weak growth) as they are much stronger than the alternative option.
Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, have a less harmful impact on the planet and are often better for your container fig tree because they are not as strong. Despite containing only natural ingredients, organic fertilizers still provide your fig tree with the nutrition it needs.
#4 Multi-Use
Opting for a fertilizer that you can get the most out of can be an important consideration (particularly if you are budget-conscious and like to buy in bulk). Unless you have a large collection of fig trees, choosing a fertilizer which you can use for your other plants too can be helpful.
There are many fertilizers (such as Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Granular Fertilizer or Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Edibles) that are as beneficial for other houseplants or edible plants as they are for the fig tree.
#5 Smell
The odor given off by the fertilizer is an important factor if you keep your fig tree indoors. Most organic brands of fertilizer do give off a natural compost-like smell. But there are ways around this! Luckily, liquid and spike fertilizers tend to smell much less than granular ones, so opt for one of these if you keep your fig tree indoors or especially in a high-traffic spot like your living room.
FAQs
How often should I fertilizer my potted fig tree?
Check the label of your chosen fertilizer as each recommendation is different.
As a general gauge, fertilize young potted fig trees (up to 2 years old) around once per month from the beginning of the growing season (early spring) until the end of July. For older potted fig trees, you might fertilize as infrequently as three times per year during the growing season.
To improve fruit growth, try increasing the dosage when fruits begin appearing.
Be careful of over-fertilizing your fig tree as it can do more damage than good. For example, too much fertilizer can result in cracks developing in the trunk and branches as figs are slow-growing trees and don’t need loads of nutrients. Also, an excess of nitrogen can actually reduce fruit production. Always follow the guidance on the packaging.
What are the key features I should be looking for in a fertilizer for my fig tree?
The right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is key.
Look for a ratio of these nutrients of 3% nitrogen, 5% phosphorous and 6% potassium for the best results.
Why do fig trees need specific nutrients?
Nitrogen helps fig trees to grow healthily and maintain their leaf color and shape.
Phosphorus helps your plant to grow and efficiently store energy.
Potassium (or potash) helps your fig tree produce fruit and protects it against common plant diseases.
How do I know if my fig tree is healthy?
A healthy fig tree that is getting the right nutrients will have luscious green leaves and a lovely crop of fruit.
Not all fig tree health concerns can be solved through fertilization. For example if the fruits are not ripening that can actually be a sign of over-fertilization. Equally, a lack of water can be the cause of immature fruit, rather than a lack of fertilization.
Is a liquid or granular fertilizer best for a potted fig tree?
Liquid fertilizer is a great option for potted fig trees especially during the fruit season because it releases nutrients quickly.
However granular fertilizer is often a cheaper solution (particularly when bought in bulk). Both granular fertilizer and sticks offer the slow release of nutrients which is handy at the beginning and end of the growing season.
What is the difference between organic and synthetic fertilizers?
Though synthetic fertilizers are usually more effective, they contain no (or limited) natural ingredients and can be very harmful to the environment (and to your plant if you over-apply your fertilizer).
Organic fertilizer is almost always the better option as it will have a less harmful impact on your plant if you over-fertilize and is much better for the planet. Organic fertilizers contain natural ingredients like microbes and organic matter which will still provide adequate nutrition for your fig tree.
The Bottom Line
Providing the right nutrients for your fig tree can have impressive results in terms of plant health and growth, fruit production and resistance against diseases and pests.
There are so many great fig tree fertilizers, but Dr Earth Natural Wonder Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer takes the top spot. This gentle, organic fertilizer offers a slow release of nutrients which is ideal for the slow-growing fig tree. The relatively rapid signs of improvement in plant health and fruit production are good indicators that this fruit tree fertilizer ticks all of the boxes.
There also has to be mention of the no-mess-no-fuss Tree Spikes from Jobe’s Organics. These spikes successfully combine the convenience of spike fertilizers with the quality and targeted nutrition of liquid and granular options.
A Reminder of the Essential Fig Tree Fertilizer Features:
- Fig trees need a well-balanced range of nutrients (or NPK ratio). Look for something with equal NPK values or, for best results, 3 – 5 – 6 specifically.
- Liquid, granular and spike fertilize options are all suitable for fig trees.
- Avoid stronger synthetic fertilizers as these are more likely to result in root burn and weaker growth.
Let us know your thoughts and feedback by commenting below or getting in contact with us here. We love to here from you!
Feeling inspired to grow more fruit trees? Read this handy guide on How To Grow A Lemon Tree and also don’t miss our other care guides here!
