If you desire to feed your succulent , the respectable fourth dimension are in the spring , when the day are above 60 point F , and in the autumn or winter , right before it rains . Note : Growers fertilize industrial plant more often to elevate riotous ontogenesis .
Succulents are unequaled plants that lay in pee in their thick , fleshy leave-taking and stems . This allows them to survive in arid environments with minimum H2O . Many succulent species originate from desert and other ironic part where nutrients are scarce in the soil .
While succulents are adapted to get by on little , allow for some plant food can advertize lush , vibrant growth . The key is knowing what eccentric of plant food to use , proper dosage and timing . Read on for steer on select the idealistic fertilizers for potted and in - ground succulents .
How Much Fertilizer Do Succulents Need?
succulent have adapted to mature in nutrient - poor soil Too much plant food can do more damage than in effect by burning root and leaves It ’s generally best to use a light paw when feeding these plants .
Indoor succulentsonly ask to be fertilized during the alive turn time of year in natural spring and summer . A diluted liquid fertilizer once a month is sufficient . Slow release fertiliser spikes or granules can be used in former spring and again in midsummer if desire .
Outdoor succulentstypically only postulate one coating per year , in early leap before growth begins . Established plants may benefit from a second , swooning feeding in midsummer . Take care not to overfeed .
Signs Your Succulents Need Fertilizer
How can you tell if your succulents need a nutritional rise ? Here are a few clues
Conversely , signs of fertiliser burn mark include dark-brown leaf lead , lesion on leaves and stems , and stunted increment .
If you see these takings , carry off on fertilise and wealthy grunge with water system to prevent further damage .
Organic vs Chemical Fertilizers for Succulents
you’re able to fertilize succulent with either synthetic chemical substance fertilizers or constitutive options like compost and worm castings . Here ’s an overview :
Organic fertilizersbreak down easy , providing a gentle release of nutrient over meter . Options admit compost , compost tea , worm casting , manure afternoon tea , and organic granular fertilizers .
Chemical fertilizersare tight playing and provide an immediate nutrient boost . But they also have a higher chance of cauterize plant if overapplied . Look for options specifically formulated for cactus and succulent .
There are pros and bunko game to both coming . Organic fertilizer add together good microbes while chemical types provide accurate nutrient ratios . Using a combination of both is ideal for optimal works wellness .
Liquid vs Granular Fertilizer
Fertilizers are also available as either liquids ( applied by watering or spraying ) or granules work into the soil . Here ’s how they compare :
Liquid fertilizersact quickly and distribute nutrients evenly . But they can burn roots if overapplied . Use periodic liquid feeds at a low concentration .
Granular / spike fertilizersprovide nutrients over an lengthy clip as they slowly dissolve . Look for a grim atomic number 7 , boring release formula .
For indoor plants , liquid feeds go well since granule can be messy . out of doors , granular fertilizers are a low criminal maintenance selection . Using both melted and granulose feeds together provides the best result .
Best Fertilizers for Healthy Succulents
When shop for fertilizers , calculate for formula designed specifically for cacti and succulents . Avoid type with high nitrogen as too much can spur undue , fallible development .
Here are some top alternative :
Liquid Fertilizers
Cactus Juice – hard liquidness with a 1 - 7 - 7 NPK proportion , made for cacti and succulent . expend at half intensity level dilution .
Dr. Earth Succulent Elixir – All natural plant solid food with added Ca , iron and good bug . Dilute before applying .
Fox Farm Big Bloom – Liquid kelp and bat guano excerpt . hike microbial activity .
Maxsea All Purpose – Balanced 16 - 16 - 16 NPK for frequent alimentation at low dilution .
Granular Fertilizers
Espoma Cactus Food – Formulated for cacti and succulents with an NPK of 3 - 7 - 7 . Made with plume meal .
Jobe ’s Organic Cactus and Succulent Plant Food – Time departure pellets with add iron , magnesium and sulfur . 2 - 7 - 7 NPK .
Piton Cactus and Succulent Food – deadening release granules made specifically for desert works .
Dr. Earth Exotic Blend – Palm , fern and cactus formula with add up probiotics and trace component .
Organic Fertilizers
Worm casting – full-bodied in nutrient and beneficial to grime . May be used alone or with melted kelp .
Compost tea – Provides endure bug and tracing elements . Make your own or buy quick to utilise compost tea bags .
Manure Camellia sinensis – compost , aged manure dilute in urine . Use manure desirable for vegetables like lapin , chicken or cow .
Kelp meal – dry seaweed that supplies over 60 nutrients and mineral . May be used as mulch or ruffle into pots .
Fish photographic emulsion – Made from fish byproducts and provides N , daystar and micronutrient . Has firm odor so use well dilute .
Water Soluble Fertilizer Packets
Single use , premeasured packets of water soluble fertilizer offer appliance and prevent overfeeding . Good options for succulents admit :
Miracle - Gro Shake ‘ N Feed – devise for cacti , palms and citrus . moderate 8 essential nutrients .
Jobe ’s Houseplant Spikes – Time release spike made for cacti and succulent . Just insert into the deal .
Schultz Cactus Plus Plant Food – Contains the 10 - 15 - 10 NPK proportion recommended for desert plant life .
How to Apply Fertilizer to Succulents
Alwaysdilute limpid fertilizers to half strengthbefore use . Or dilute allot to recording label if lower .
body of water plants firstbefore fertilizing to keep root burn from dry soil .
Apply liquid feeds at thebase of the plant . Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves .
Scratch granular fertilizerinto the soil surface around the plant . Do n’t let it touch stems or leaves .
Do n’t fertilize dormant outdoor plantsin fall and winter to foreclose salt buildup .
Flush dirt regularlywith plain water to forestall excess fertilizer salt from accumulating .
With the right case of fertilizer used decent , your succulent will reward you with vibrant , riotous growth . But go gently – more is n’t always better when it comes to feed these plant .
Fertilizing Tips by Succulent Type
Full sunshine succulentslike cacti , agave and aloe require less frequent feeding than shade plants .
Echeveriaandsedumneed more fertiliser to encourage inflorescence and prevent leggy outgrowth .
Jade plantsonly need give every 2 - 3 age when pot stick to . Watch for fertilizer burning on jadestone .
Kalanchoebenefit from monthly liquid alimentation at 1/4 posture when actively produce .
Givesplit rockand other mesembs diluted liquid fertiliser 2 - 3 times per year for best event .
When to Fertilize Succulents
right timing of plant food diligence is key . Here is an overview of when to tip succulent :
Spring – The ideal season for eat established outdoor succulents . enforce betimes , before new growth emerge .
Summer – Outdoor works can receive a lighter second feeding in midsummer if require .
Fall / winter – Do not fertilize dormant outdoor plants . Withhold fertilizer for indoor plants as well .
Indoors – Feed monthly give through summer when actively develop . Stop during fall and winter rest period .
New plantings – Wait 2 - 3 month before feed untested plants to foreclose fertiliser burn mark .
By following best practices for fertilizing , you could have gorgeous , healthy succulent inside and out . Just go easy and listen to what your works are telling you . With a little precaution in choosing and apply fertilizers , your succulents will boom .
What if I don’t feed my succulents?
It does n’t much matter . They ’ll likely grow quicker and larger if you do , but that may not be what you want . New , tender growth is more likely to get damaged by twist , Lord’s Day , and frost , and you may need to trim it earlier than you plan . If you want to keep succulent modest and pissed , like those in terrariums and wreaths , I do n’t remember they should be fertilized .
How do I apply fertilizer to my succulents?
Unless it ’s been raining , water supply plant life before feed them to spread plant food more evenly .
I ruffle liquid plant food ( likefish emulsion ) half - and - one-half with water in a tearing can or bucket , then pour the dilute liquid fertiliser onto a pot ’s soil until the solution begins to run out the hole in the bottom .
If the plants have develop all the way to the top of the muckle , put it on a pie cooking pan or pot saucer and add the result to the shallow container . It ’ll wick up into the filth through the lot ’s hole .
In the garden , spreadgranular fertilizerper package directions and urine it in . I wear disposable plastic gloves , attain into the bag , catch a handful , and toss it onto the ground above where roots probably are . Then I spray the area with a hose .
How and When to Fertilize Succulents | And What Fertilizers to Use
FAQ
What fertiliser should I use on succulents ?
Is Miracle - Gro good for succulents ?
What solid food can I tip my succulents instead if fertilizer ?
How do I keep my succulents well-chosen ?
