Yes, you can sprinkle fertilizer on soil if you're using the right type of product for your plants. Slow-release granules and organic matter like worm castings work great this way. But liquid concentrates and quick-release types need to be mixed with water first before you use them.
I tried both methods on my pothos plants last year to see which one worked better for me. The plants with granules sprinkled on top grew just as well as the ones where I mixed granules into the soil. The key was watering right after I added the granules so the nutrients could start breaking down.
My friend skipped the watering step after she sprinkled fertilizer on her plants. The granules just sat there for weeks without doing much. Her plants looked the same as before she fed them. Then she started watering after each top dressing fertilizer use. Her plants perked up within days of making this change.
Slow-release granules work through contact with moisture. Each time you water your plant, a small amount of nutrients dissolves and seeps into your soil. This gives your plant a steady supply of food over weeks or months. Without water contact, the granules can't do their job at all.
Your granular fertilizer application works best with space from stems. Pile granules against the stem and you risk burns. Spread them in a ring around the outer edge of your pot instead. This puts the food where your active roots grow and look for nutrients every day.
Water-soluble fertilizers don't work well as top dressing at all. These products need to dissolve and spread through your whole root zone at once. Sprinkling powder or crystals on top creates hot spots where concentrations run too high. Mix these types into your watering can for safe use.
Smart fertilizer placement for houseplants depends on your product choice. Slow-release granules can go on top and work their way down over time. Organic matter like compost or worm castings belongs on the surface too. Liquid feeds need proper dilution and even watering over all of your soil.
Start with slow-release granules if you want the easiest method for top dressing your plants at home. Follow the package rate for your pot size. Water well after you sprinkle them on. Then water as normal and let the granules feed your plant over the next few months without extra work from you.
Read the full article: Fertilizing Indoor Plants for Healthy Growth
