Fertilizing is something that many houseplant owners tend to neglect. As a plant lives out its days contained in a pot with a limited amount of soil, the essential minerals and nutrients the plant needs to flourish slowly becomes depleated. Therefore, it is important to replace these lost nourishments.

What does the ratio mean?

Make sure you don't fertilize too much. The plant may respond to the extra fertilizer and grow very fast and look healthy but it is a waste of money and it's a little annoying when all your plants are growing out of control. You also run the risk of burning the roots.