Hey succulent lovers! I’ve been growing these amazing plants for years, and let me tell you – picking the right fertilizer can make a huge difference in how your succulents thrive. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about fertilizing succulents, from the best products to exactly when and how to use them.
Quick Answer
The best fertilizer for succulents should have:
- A balanced NPK ratio (like 1-1-1 or 2-1-1)
- Slow-release formula
- Lower nitrogen content
- Specifically formulated for succulents/cacti
Top 5 Best Fertilizers for Succulents
1. EarthPods Premium Cactus & Succulent Plant Food
- NPK ratio: 0.2-0.2-0.4
- Organic formula
- Easy-to-use pods
- Lasts up to 6 years
- Perfect for beginners
2. Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food
- NPK ratio: 0.5-1-1
- Instant-release formula
- Convenient pump bottle
- Great value for money
- Most popular choice
3. Wiggle Worm Soil Builder
- 100% organic worm castings
- Rich in micronutrients
- Improves soil structure
- Long-lasting effects
- Great for soil amendment
4. Jobe’s Succulent Fertilizer Spikes
- NPK ratio: 2-8-8
- Slow-release spikes
- Easy application
- Kid and pet safe
- Lasts whole season
5. Schultz Cactus Plus
- NPK ratio: 2-7-7
- Liquid formula
- Precise dropper
- Good for indoor plants
- Economic option
When to Fertilize Your Succulents
The timing is super important! Here’s my tried-and-true schedule
- Spring (March-May): Main fertilizing time
- Summer (June-August): Light feeding if needed
- Fall (September-November): Stop fertilizing
- Winter (December-February): No fertilizing
How Often Should You Fertilize?
I’ve learned that less is definitely more with succulents! Here’s what works best
- Spring: Once every 4-6 weeks
- Summer: Once every 6-8 weeks
- Growing season: Dilute to half-strength
- Dormant season: No fertilizer needed
Application Methods
Different fertilizers need different approaches:
Liquid Fertilizers
- Water your plant first
- Mix fertilizer at half-strength
- Apply around the base
- Wait until soil dries before next feeding
Slow-Release Pellets/Spikes
- Insert into moist soil
- Place away from stems
- Apply once per growing season
- Water normally
Worm Castings
- Mix into potting soil
- Use as top dressing
- Make “tea” for liquid feeding
- Apply every 2-3 months
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to!
- Over-fertilizing (biggest mistake!)
- Using regular plant fertilizer
- Fertilizing during dormancy
- Applying to dry soil
- Using full-strength mixture
Signs Your Succulent Needs Fertilizer
Watch for these signals:
- Slower growth than usual
- Pale or yellowing leaves
- Smaller new growth
- Less vibrant colors
- Weak stems
My Personal Tips
After years of growing succulents, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Start Slow: Begin with quarter-strength and work up
- Test First: Try new fertilizer on one plant first
- Keep Records: Track what works for different species
- Watch & Learn: Observe how your plants respond
- Be Patient: Results take time to show
FAQ
A: No, you shouldn’t use regular plant fertilizer on your succulents. It’s too strong and will give them a burn.
Q: What about organic vs synthetic?
A: Both work fine, but I prefer organic for slower, gentler feeding.
When succulents are outside, do they need fertilizer? A: No, not as often as when they are inside, because they get their nutrients from the soil.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be hard to choose the right fertilizer. Just start with one of the five options I’ve listed above and follow the simple steps. Remember that with succulent fertilizing, less is more when you’re not sure what to do.
Note: Prices and availability of products may vary. Check current prices and reviews before making a purchase.
Is Frequent Fertilization Good?
Frequent fertilize succulent is not recommended as they have low nutrient requirements and are adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils. Excessive fertilizer can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, damaging the plants roots and leading to root rot. Its important to fertilize succulents in moderation and to monitor the plants health for signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Succulents
Choosing the right fertilizer for your succulents is crucial for their health and growth. This guide will talk about different types of fertilizers that are good for succulents as well as other options to help you make a smart choice. Lets dive in:
Liquid fertilizers
Liquid fertilizers are a popular choice for potted succulents because they are easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the plant. Liquid fertilizers are available in synthetic and organic forms and typically come in a concentrated solution diluted with water before application. Synthetic liquid fertilizers usually have a higher concentration of nutrients than organic liquid fertilizers, making them a good choice for succulent plants that require a lot of nutrients.
Granular fertilizers
Granular fertilizers are another popular choice for most succulents. They come in different forms and contain different amounts of nutrients, so it’s important to pick a fertilizer that is right for your succulent. Granular fertilizers are typically applied directly to the cactus soil mix and are slowly released over time as the succulent grows. This makes sure that the plant always has access to nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization.
Slow-release fertilizers
This type of fertilizers will release nutrients gradually over an extended period, usually over several months. They are ideal for succulent plants as they provide a consistent supply of nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization or burning the plant. Slow-release fertilizers come in different forms, including pellets, granules, and spikes.
NPK fertilizer
NPK fertilizer is a synthetic fertilizer that is composed of three primary nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients are essential for succulent growth and development and can be found in varying ratios in NPK fertilizers. For succulents, a balanced NPK ratio of 2-4-2 is recommended.
Credit: sulzer.com
Organic fertilizers originate from natural sources and provide a slow-release source of nutrients to your succulent. Common organic fertilizers include bone meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, and compost. These fertilizers are typically lower in nutrient concentration than synthetic fertilizers but can provide long-term benefits to your succulent.
DIY Succulents Fertilizer
DIY fertilizers can offer a cost-effective and easily accessible alternative for nourishing succulent plants. Compost tea, created by steeping compost in water, yields a nutrient-rich liquid that can be directly applied to the soil around the plant. Banana peels, a potassium-rich source, can be finely chopped and buried to provide essential nutrients. Similarly, eggshells, a potent source of calcium, can be ground into a fine powder and evenly dispersed around the soil to release nutrients over time. However, it is important to practice restraint when using DIY fertilizers and supplement them with commercial options to ensure an optimal balance of nutrients.
Worm castings
Earthworms create worm castings, which serve as a natural fertilizer. They are rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients essential for plant growth. Worm castings can be mixed into the soil or applied as a top dressing, providing long-lasting benefits to your succulent.