How to fertilize Succulents

Fertilizing plants is the same as giving them plant food and nutrition, allowing them to grow and prosper into the most optimal version of themselves. It will help them to grow, establish roots, grow leaves and seasonal flowering. 

There are a wide range of fertilizers for different types of plants and purposes and this article goes through some of them. In most cases, the optimal fertilizer for cacti and succulents is a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, or a fertilizer lacking in nitrogen. The most optimal method how to fertilize succulents vary slightly from plant to plant. Although, most of them will be pretty happy with a very similar strategy, which we will explain below.

N:P:K – Plant fertilizer

The components in plant fertilizers are most commonly referred to as N.P.K, which explains the balance of the fertilizer.

  • N – Nitrogen

    Encourages green leafy foliage

  • P – Phosphorus

    Encourages the development of roots, flowers, and fruits

  • K – Potassium

    Strengthens the plant’s immune system and prevents diseases

Most of the plants around us are not succulents, but rather fast-growing annuals and perennials with beautiful green foliage. They typically require a fertilizer mix dominated by N – Nitrogen. Since Nitrogen promotes the growth of green leaves and foliage. The mix might be N:P:K 20:5:5, which is not ideal for fertilizer for succulent plants, especially cacti.

It is very easy to DIY a natural fertilizer high in nitrogen. For example nettle water or golden water, please don’t ask =).

Click here: Fertilizer glossary

Best NPK fertilizer for Succulents and Cacti

A good fertilizer for succulents and cacti is much more balanced, and may look like this: N:P:K – 10:10:10. Or often preferred when growing cacti, a fertilizer with nitrogen as the smallest component, such as N:P:K – 5-10-10. You´ll most definitely find a suitable fertilizer specifically for succulents and cacti at your local garden centre or preferred garden shop online. 

If a succulent or a cactus is given too much nitrogen, it may lose its unique compact shape or develop unnatural elongated growth.

To be fair, there are always exceptions to the rule. There are lots of stories of beautiful cacti that are consistently spoon-fed all kinds of weird fertilizers for many years, such as coffee which pretty much is a nitrogen fertilizer. But simply can’t look any better. However, it is safer to go for a more traditional fertilizer for succulents and cacti, as mentioned above.

cactus with fruits and succulent

When to fertilize your plants

Start giving them a succulent plant fertilizer at the beginning and throughout the growing season (spring for summer growers and autumn for winter growers). Stop fertilizing the plants at the end of the growing season as the plant gets ready for a winter rest and will pause the growth cycle. 

  • Sometimes the best succulent fertilizer is no fertilizer at all. Certain plants such as Pleiospilos, should not have any fertilizer during watering.

How to Fertilize - Different types of Fertilizers

  • Soluble Fertilizers

    Engineered to blend seamlessly with water, these fertilizers can be administered to plants through a hose or sprayer. Ideal for foliage-fed plants, they can also be directly applied to the roots.

  • Mixed Fertilizers

    When applied directly to leaves, these fertilizers allow plants to promptly absorb nutrients, initiating growth as the leaves directly channel them to the growth zone for development.

  • Granular Fertilizers

    Applied directly to the soil, these fertilizers necessitate thorough mixing to prevent root damage, especially to feed plants in their growth phase. Typically used before planting or during the vegetative period, as contact with leaves can be detrimental to plant health.

Organic fertilizers

There are plenty of opportunities to make your own organic fertilizers in your own home that are excellent fertilizers for your plants.

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources, meaning they are crafted from organic materials, making them the least polluting and most environmentally friendly. Organic fertilizer enrich the soil, but they tend to be low in nutrients. As a result, a larger quantity is required, or they can be used as a complement to more potent fertilizers, such as mineral-based ones.

One widely used option is organic compost, though other common choices include manure, peat, humus, or seaweed extracts. These alternatives boast a wealth of nutrients, making them ideal for addressing issues like pests, acclimatization problems, or drought. Embrace the diversity of organic fertilizers for a healthier, more sustainable approach to cultivate healthy plants.

You can take different food leftovers such as coffee grinds, fish remains, eggshells, banana peel, etc., to create very potent plant fertilizers full of nourishment. The options with low nitrogen levels have a good potential to be an excellent natural fertilizer for succulents

Or you can create a compost outdoors where you add all your organic matter and leftovers, which over time will evolve into highly nutritious soil.