If you’ve ever stood in front of the fertilizer rack at a nursery feeling totally lost — you’re not alone. With so many options (and labels that sound like chemistry exams), choosing the right fertilizer for your pokok can be overwhelming.
To save you the trial-and-error headache, I tested 5 popular fertilizer brands in Malaysia over the past 3 months — using them on pandan, chili, curry leaf, and ulam plants. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what’s best for your garden.
🧪 The Testing Method (Pokok Science 101)
- Each fertilizer was tested on similar-sized potted plants
- Applied every 2 weeks for 3 months
- Observed growth rate, leaf color, fruiting, and root health
- Same soil mix, watering schedule, and sunlight for all
🌿 1. GROW Organic Fertilizer Pellets
| Type | Organic |
|---|---|
| Texture | Pellets (slow release) |
| Best For | Pandan, curry leaf, fruit trees |
| Price | RM15–RM25 per 5kg |
Pros:
✅ Long-lasting
✅ No smell
✅ Great for lazy gardeners (once every 3–4 weeks)
Cons:
⛔ Slower results (patience needed)
⛔ Not ideal for leafy greens that need fast nitrogen
Verdict:
Perfect for busy plant parents. Best for trees, herbs, and shrubs. Doesn’t burn roots.
🍌 2. GreenMaster Foliar Spray (12-12-17)
| Type | Liquid Spray |
|---|---|
| Best For | Chilli, ulam raja, kangkung |
| Price | RM18–RM30 per 500ml |
Pros:
✅ Super fast results (within a week!)
✅ Great for flowering + fruiting
✅ Easy to apply (just spray and go)
Cons:
⛔ Must be diluted properly
⛔ Smells a bit strong
Verdict:
Great boost before flowering. Use weekly on vegetables or fruiting pokok for a “power-up.”
🌱 3. HUMICA Natural Humic Acid
| Type | Soil Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Best For | Improving poor soil quality |
| Price | RM12–RM20 per 1kg |
Pros:
✅ Improves root health
✅ Helps retain moisture
✅ Boosts effectiveness of other fertilizers
Cons:
⛔ Not a fertilizer by itself
⛔ Takes time to show results
Verdict:
Think of it as a vitamin for your soil. Combine with compost or pellets for best effect.
🐓 4. Chicken Manure (Ready Bagged)
| Type | Organic |
|---|---|
| Best For | Leafy greens, pandan, curry leaf |
| Price | RM6–RM12 per bag |
Pros:
✅ Super rich in nitrogen
✅ Cheap and widely available
✅ Makes leaves glow green
Cons:
⛔ Can burn plants if not aged properly
⛔ Smelly (don’t keep it indoors!)
Verdict:
Old school but powerful. Use in moderation and mix into soil — not for beginners with a sensitive nose 😅
🌾 5. Nutrigrow NPK 15-15-15 (Blue Crystals)
| Type | Chemical |
|---|---|
| Best For | Fast results in flowering & fruiting plants |
| Price | RM5–RM10 per 1kg |
Pros:
✅ Works fast
✅ Cheap
✅ Widely available
Cons:
⛔ Overuse burns roots
⛔ Doesn’t improve long-term soil health
Verdict:
Good for short-term gains, especially with chilli and flowering pokok. Use with caution and mix well.
📋 Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Brand | Type | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GROW Pellets | Organic slow-release | Long-lasting, clean | Trees, herbs, low-maintenance gardens |
| GreenMaster Spray | Foliar liquid | Fast fruiting boost | Chilli, basil, ulam |
| HUMICA | Conditioner | Improves soil health | Any struggling pokok |
| Chicken Manure | Organic rich | Leafy greens | High nitrogen needs |
| Nutrigrow Crystals | Chemical | Fast results | Fruiting & flowering plants |
🛠 Pro Tips for Using Fertilizer Wisely
- Always water before and after applying fertilizer
- Less is more — overfeeding causes yellow tips or root burn
- Alternate between organic and foliar for balance
- Track what you use — plants will show you what works!
✅ Wrap-Up
The best fertilizer? The one that matches your plants, your lifestyle, and your nose.
Start simple, observe how your garden reacts, and don’t be afraid to experiment (except with your neighbour’s pokok — that’s a no-go).
Got a go-to fertilizer? Snap it, tag it, and tell us why you swear by it — @projectharvest.my 🌱💥