Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Ferns (Updated | Jan 15th)
If you’re a fern lover, you already know these lush, leafy beauties crave nutrients to thrive—but not just any fertilizer will do. Enter fish emulsion: a natural powerhouse that feeds your ferns without harsh chemicals. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s truly the best? We’ve dug into the details, tested popular formulas, and considered smell, nutrient balance, and results to help you choose the right feed for your green darlings. Let’s find the perfect fish emulsion to keep your ferns flourishing.
- Best for compact green boost: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for wintergreen burn-free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for value green power: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for cold-pressed yield: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for powdered odor‑free: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for hydrolysate gentle: Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
- Best for salmon bulk boost: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for garden‑scale green: Fertilome (10614) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (1 gal)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Ferns
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Will Not Burn
- Great for all plants
- Deodorized with Natural Wintergreen
- 5-1-1 fertilizer is an excellent source of organic plant nutrients
- Fish Fertilizer
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water), for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits
- Organic Fish Protein :12-2-2 NPK powder made from 100% fish dried liquid powder, ground, and highly water-soluble when mixed.
- 2× Super Concentrated Powder: 1 lb (≈450 g) makes up to 100 gal of liquid feed,ideal for both large veggie plots and indoor/hydro gardens, creating high-value yield.
- Proven Results and Trusted Organic Fertilizer: Comparison experient conducted on same seed, same soil. The fertilizer supports visible growth and robust fruit set.
- Promotes Healthier Roots & Foliage: Rich in natural amino acids and micronutrients, boosts plant stress resistance, soil biology, and nutrient uptake.
- Reduced Odor, Easy to Use: Dry powder form alleviates the strong “fishy” smell of traditional emulsions. Simple to store, measure, and apply; mix and water every 1–2 weeks.
- Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced: Made in small batches from by products of the fish meal industry, organically biodegradable with minimal waste.
- Includes a teaspoon for ease of measurement
Liquinox 7128 Fish Emulsion 5-1-1 Fertilizer, 1-Gallon
- All purpose liquid fish fertilizer: Use on flowers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and other outdoor plants
- Primary nutrients source: Derived from seagoing fish
- Active ingredients: Includes iron, manganese, and zinc
- Fish emulsion 5-1-1: Suitable for soil or foliar application
- Safe and nonburning: Ideal for use on vegetables, flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees
- Versatile application: Can be used on potted and house plants, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees
- Application rate: Recommended usage is 2 tablespoons per gallon monthly during the growing and blooming season
- Product type: Liquid fertilizer
- Package size: Available in a 1-gallon container
- Manufacturer: Liquinox
Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables in Garden or Farm (16 fl oz)
- Rich in amino acids and nutrients
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Boosts plant growth and vitality
- Works both as soil drench & foliar spray
- helps add organic matter to soil
- Will not burn plants, no bad odor
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 32 oz (1 Quart)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Fertilome (10614) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (1 gal)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What NPK ratio is best for ferns and which of these fish emulsions match it?
Ferns thrive on a balanced, low‑phosphorus formula such as 2‑3‑1 or 5‑1‑1, which promotes foliage without encouraging excessive flowering. The Alaska Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1), Fertilome 5‑1‑1 lines, and Liquinox 5‑1‑1 all provide this ratio, while the 12‑2‑2 powder is higher in nitrogen and may be too strong for delicate fronds.
Should I choose a liquid or powder fish emulsion for indoor ferns?
Liquid emulsions are easier to dilute and apply as a foliar spray, which helps ferns absorb nutrients quickly through their fronds. Powdered forms like the 12‑2‑2 fish protein reduce odor and have a longer shelf life, but require mixing and may be less convenient for indoor use.
How important is odor when selecting a fish emulsion for home use?
Odor can be a concern in indoor environments; products that are deodorized, such as the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen, are preferable. The 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion and the standard Fertilome lines have a noticeable fishy smell, which some users find off‑putting.
Which product offers the best value per ounce for feeding ferns regularly?
The 1‑gallon Fertilome (10614) provides the lowest cost per ounce while delivering the same 5‑1‑1 nutrients as the smaller bottles. For larger gardens or frequent applications, the 32‑oz Fertilome (10612) also offers good value, though the 1‑gallon is the most economical overall.
Are there any added micronutrients that benefit fern health?
Micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc support chlorophyll production and overall vigor. Liquinox 7128 explicitly lists these trace elements, making it a strong choice if you want a more complete nutrient profile.
Can I use the same fish emulsion for both ferns and outdoor plants?
Yes, most of the listed emulsions are all‑purpose and safe for indoor ferns as well as outdoor shrubs, trees, and vegetables. Just follow the dilution rates: 1‑2 Tbsp per gallon for foliage plants and 4 Tbsp per gallon for trees, adjusting as needed for indoor humidity and light levels.
What are the advantages of a higher concentration fish emulsion like the 12‑2‑2 powder?
A higher concentration allows you to mix large volumes of feed (up to 100 gallons per pound) and reduces the number of applications needed, which can be cost‑effective for big indoor setups. However, the stronger nitrogen content may cause leaf tip burn on sensitive fern fronds if not properly diluted.
Is there a benefit to choosing a certified organic fish emulsion?
Organic certifications ensure the product is free from synthetic chemicals and often use sustainable sourcing, which aligns with eco‑friendly gardening practices. The 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion and the 12‑2‑2 powder both emphasize organic ingredients, offering peace of mind for gardeners who prioritize natural growing methods.