The main difference between Nutricote and Osmocote is the nutrient-release trigger. Nutricote releases nutrients when the pellets come in contact with water. Osmocote quickly releases the nutrients once the temperature is above 80F.
Get yourself Osmocote fertilizer if the temperature in your area is predictable. Get Nutricote fertilizer if you’re unsure which one to buy.
Osmocote depends on the temperature to release the contents. Nutricote only depends on water to release nutrients.
Nutricote vs Osmocote
Below is a table where you can see the differences between Nutricote and Osmocote. Compare the pros and cons of the two fertilizers and decide for yourself!
| Nutricote | Osmocote |
|---|---|
| It is a Chemical-release fertilizer. | It is a temperature-release fertilizer. |
| Nutricote is a slow-release fertilizer. | Osmocote is a controlled-release fertilizer |
| Nutricote releases nutrients into the soil everytime water comes into contact with prills/pellets. | Osmocote releases fertilizer if the temperature rises above 80F. |
| Nutricote has one popular variant, i.e., 18-6-8. | Osmocote has two main formulae, viz., 15-9-12(Osmocote plus) and 14-14-14(Osmocote). The former is used for ornamental plants and the latter for vegetable/perennial plants. |
| Nutricote is recommended by experts as it releases nutrients slowly and isn't effected by temperature fluctuations. | Osmocote release depends on the temperature fluctuations and may not be suitable for wider use. |
What is Nutricote fertilizer?
Nutricote is a type of slow-release fertilizer. The pellets/prills release the contents when they come in contact with water.
Nutricote/Dynamite works well in many cases as it depends on water for nutrient release. Nutricote works wonders for orchids, bromeliads, indoor and garden plants.
Is Nutricote organic?
No, Nutricote is a chemical/synthetic fertilizer. Nutricote is widely used in gardens, potting soil, nursery, greenhouse, and bedding.
Nutricote releases a wide variety of essential nutrients slowly.
How do you use Nutricote fertilizer?
One can simply add a bunch of Nutricote pellets/prills to each pot. Follow the instructions on the label and you’re good to go.
Simply sprinkle the prills on the potting mix/ground and wait for rain/water to trigger the fertilizer release.
Which is better Osmocote or Nutricote?
Nutricote is better than Osmocote in my opinion. Osmocote’s release depends directly on the temperature. If the temperature rises above 90F it gets released quicker than needed.
Osmocote has been developed decades ago. Osmocote is known to work flawlessly on many types of plants. By the end of this article, you’ll know which fertilizer would work for your purpose.
What is the difference between Osmocote and Nutricote?
The main difference between Osmocote and Nutricote is the nutrient-release trigger. Nutricote releases nutrients when the pellets come in contact with water.
Osmocote releases nutrients when the temperature rises to a certain level. You need to remember these characteristics of both the fertilizers and select the one which suits you.
Osmocote reduces the risk of fertilizer burn on sensitive plants. Osmocote has been developed by scientists for decades now, so it’s a proven formula.
Is Osmocote good for Succulents?
Many of my fellow gardeners claim that Osmocote works well for succulents. There’s a variation of Osmocote specially labeled for succulents.
Succulents grow in places where the soil is poor in nutrients. You need to supply them nutrients but at a slow pace. Osmocote works well in such situations.
How do you apply Osmocote?
Sprinkle Osmocote prills around your potted plants/outdoor plants. These prills will take care of your plants’ nutrient needs.
These prills release the essential nutrients once the temperature is above 80F. The prills release more nutrients if the temperature rises above 90F.
Is Osmocote a complete Fertiliser?
Osmocote is a complete fertilizer that has all the nutrients your plants need. Osmocote has Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash plus the secondary nutrients Magnesium and Sulfur.
Osmocote also has micro-nutrients like Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Zinc. So, I guess you can say it’s a complete fertilizer.
The ratio of main elements depends on the variant you’re using. Osmocote has a couple of variants that serve specific purposes.
How quickly does Osmocote work?
Osmocote releases nutrients slowly for 4-5 months if the temperature is ~60F. Osmocote releases the nutrients for 3-4 months if the temperature is ~70F. Osmocote releases the nutrients for 2-3 months if the temperature is ~80F.
Osmocote is temperature-dependent, keep this in mind when you want to apply this to your plants.
How often should I use Osmocote?
Osmocote plus should be applied once every six months. Apply Osmocote once every 4 months for the best results.
After the time period, you’ll see that the prills/pellets have completely disappeared. You’ll notice that even the resin coats have dissolved after a while.
Is Osmocote organic?
Osmocote fertilizer is not organic. Osmocote has all the advantages of organic fertilizers. It doesn’t harm your garden ecosystem in any way.
Osmocote prills’ coat is made from linseed oil/soy oil, so it is safe for garden/indoor use.
Is Osmocote good for all plants?
Osmocote works wonderfully for all plants. Osmocote has been consistently improved by scientists for more than half a century now.
Osmocote has a good number of variants. Osmocote and Osmocote plus can be used on a wide range of plants. Osmocote can be used on annuals, perennials, houseplants, shrubs, herbs, and even vegetable gardens.
Can you use Osmocote on the lawn?
Do not use Osmocote on your grass/lawn. A typical lawn needs a lot of fertilizer. Can you afford to do it with Osmocote?
The cost of maintenance becomes unbearably high if you use Osmocote on the lawn. If you have some extra Osmocote spare it for the indoor plants.