Hi Boydie, have a look at my website
www.stumpykiwi.com cos I have a few articles there about nutrients, water, acidity etc.
If you don't use nutrients your plants will still grow... there might be some notes in the potting mix. But they won't be vigorous and the older leaves will keep dying as the plant sends their goodies up to the newer leaves & the tips. If you want a good quality plant then you'll have to feed it!
And if you can, use rainwater instead of tap water cos it's much better for the plant (I bang on about this a lot!).
Pete.