Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Indoor Plants (Updated | Dec 1st)
We’ve tested top contenders to find the **best fish emulsion for indoor plants**—balancing smell, effectiveness, and ease of use. Spoiler: not all fishy formulas are worth the stink. Let’s dive into the ones that actually make your plants thrive—without making your living room smell like the docks.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for vigorous green growth: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for high-yield organic: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for wintergreen burn-free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for large-scale foliage: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for omri certified organic: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for odorless protein power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for odorless protein boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for powdered power concentrate: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion For Indoor Plants
CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer, 1 Quart
- Promotes healthy plant growth with 11 vitamins
- Can be used on all indoor and outdoor plants
- 100-percent organic
- Stimulates microorganisms
- Does not burn
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.
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
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!
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
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.
Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, 115 oz
- Fish-based fertilizer for use in vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens
- Excellent for use on flowers, trees, and other plants
- OMRI listed
- For organic gardening
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- NPK 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer
- Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries
- Easy to use, just mix with water
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 18 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 36 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
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
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 key factors should I consider when choosing a fish emulsion fertilizer for indoor plants?
Look for an NPK ratio that supports foliage growth, such as 2-4-1 or 5-1-1, and check if the product is 100% organic and OMRI listed for indoor safety. Odor level matters indoors, so deodorized or low‑smell formulas can be more pleasant. Also compare concentration and recommended dilution rates to match your watering routine.
How does the Central Garden Brands 1‑Quart fish emulsion compare to the larger 1‑Gallon options?
The 1‑Quart size offers a convenient, low‑volume starter for small indoor gardens, while the 1‑Gallon containers like Alaska or the generic organic fish emulsion provide better value per ounce for larger collections. Both are 5‑1‑1 formulations, but the larger bottles often include added benefits such as deodorization or higher nutrient density. Choose the size that matches the scale of your plant collection and storage space.
Is there a noticeable difference in odor between traditional fish emulsions and products like Neptune’s Harvest?
Traditional emulsions, such as the Alaska Fish Emulsion, can have a strong fishy smell, though some brands add wintergreen scent to mask it. Neptune’s Harvest uses a cold‑process method that retains nutrients while eliminating the pungent odor, making it more suitable for indoor use. If scent is a concern, opt for odor‑controlled or deodorized formulas.
Which product offers the best nutrient balance for promoting lush foliage on houseplants?
For vigorous leaf growth, a higher nitrogen ratio like the 5‑1‑1 formulas from Fertilome or Alaska provides ample nitrogen while still supplying phosphorus and potassium. The 2‑4‑1 options from Neptune’s Harvest focus more on balanced growth and may be better for flowering indoor plants. Consider the specific growth stage of your plants when selecting the NPK ratio.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to powdered fish fertilizer in terms of convenience and storage?
Liquid emulsions are ready to dilute and apply, which is convenient for quick indoor watering but can be heavier to store and may emit odor. Powdered fish fertilizer, like the 12‑2‑2 powder, is lightweight, has a longer shelf life, and typically has reduced smell, though it requires mixing with water before use. Choose liquid for ease of use, powder for storage efficiency and odor control.
What is the cost‑effectiveness of the 5‑1‑1 concentrates versus the smaller 16‑oz bottles?
The 5‑1‑1 concentrates sold in gallon sizes usually deliver a lower cost per ounce and can treat many gallons of water, making them economical for multiple indoor plants. Smaller 16‑oz bottles like the Fertilome 5‑1‑1 are pricier per unit but are ideal for testing or limited space. Calculate the total number of applications you need to determine which size offers the best value.
Are there any certifications or labels I should look for to ensure the fertilizer is safe for indoor use?
Look for OMRI listing, which confirms the product meets organic standards and is safe for indoor environments. Additionally, products labeled as “100% organic” or “deodorized with natural wintergreen” indicate reduced chemical additives and lower odor. These certifications help ensure the fertilizer won’t harm indoor air quality or pets.