All Plant Nutrients & Fertilizers
Hydrobuilder carries one of the largest selections of plant nutrients and fertilizers in the US -- nearly 4,000 products from more than 200 brands across every nutrient formulation type, growing method, and production scale. This collection is the top-level entry point for the complete nutrient catalog: base nutrients, bloom boosters, Cal-Mag supplements, organic amendments, root stimulants, biostimulants, and specialty formulas for hydroponic, coco, and soil programs from beginner to commercial.
Top-Selling Nutrient Brands
HGV (Hydrobuilder's in-house professional nutrient line), Athena, General Hydroponics, Fox Farm, Advanced Nutrients, House & Garden, and Emerald Harvest are the top-selling nutrient brands at Hydrobuilder based on annual sales volume. HGV delivers the best per-unit value for production programs; Athena is the standard for commercial coco and rockwool operations; General Hydroponics Flora Series is the most versatile for growers working across multiple growing methods; Fox Farm is favored for soil and organic-leaning programs. For branded nutrient line comparisons and product-specific guidance, call 888-815-9763 -- our cultivation specialists work with these products daily.
Finding the Right Nutrients
Browse by growth stage: vegetative nutrients or bloom and flowering nutrients. Browse by format: organic packages or complete nutrient kits. See single-element supplements at minerals and trace elements. Use our Nutrient Mixing Calculator. Fast shipping.
Plant Nutrients FAQ
What nutrients do plants actually need?
Plants require 17 essential nutrients divided into macronutrients (needed in larger quantities) and micronutrients (needed in small but critical amounts). The primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) -- the three numbers on every fertilizer label. Secondary macronutrients are calcium, magnesium, and sulfur -- present in most complete nutrient formulas but often needing supplementation in soft water and RO water programs. Micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, molybdenum, chlorine, nickel) are needed in trace amounts but are essential for enzyme function and metabolic processes. A complete base nutrient formula provides all 17 essential nutrients; supplements and additives address specific production goals beyond basic crop nutrition.
What is the difference between HGV and Athena nutrients?
HGV is Hydrobuilder's professional nutrient line, formulated for high-performance hydroponic and coco production programs and priced for value at production scale. HGV covers the full cycle from vegetative through flowering with a simplified program structure. Athena is an independent commercial nutrient brand that has become widely adopted in the professional grower community -- known for the Athena Pro Line (dry soluble concentrate format) and Athena Blended line (liquid concentrates). Athena Pro Line is designed for large commercial operations where the economics of mixing dry concentrates at large volumes provide significant cost savings over liquid concentrates. For most growers at hobby through small commercial scale, either brand delivers excellent results; HGV provides the best price-to-performance ratio within the Hydrobuilder catalog.
How do I know if my plants have a nutrient deficiency?
Nutrient deficiencies express as characteristic visual symptoms on leaves -- the pattern of which leaves are affected (new growth vs. old growth) and the type of symptom (yellowing, brown spots, tip burn, interveinal chlorosis) helps identify the specific deficiency. Mobile nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium) are relocated from older tissue to new growth when deficient -- deficiency symptoms appear first on older, lower leaves. Immobile nutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, boron) cannot be relocated -- deficiency symptoms appear first on new growth. Visual diagnosis is the starting point; confirm with a slurry pH test (to check if the issue is pH-related nutrient lockout rather than true deficiency) and if necessary tissue testing. Call 888-815-9763 -- our cultivation team can help diagnose specific deficiency symptoms based on photos and grow data.
