Succulents are popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts due to their distinctive appearance and resilience in dry, nutrient-deficient conditions. To keep these plants thriving and beautiful, fertilizing succulents correctly is crucial.
In this guide, Green Sedum highlights the top 9 fertilizers for succulents and provides tips on how to fertilize succulents effectively. Learn about the best plant food for succulents and discover the right approach to ensure your plants get the essential nutrients they need.
>>> Explore this topic: A-Z Guide to Plant Succulents in Full Sun and Rain
1. Should you be fertilizing succulents?
In their natural habitats, succulents are incredibly hardy, thriving on rugged cliffs and in sun-drenched deserts with minimal nutrients. Despite their resilience, when you bring succulents to warmer climates, they need time to adapt to the new environment and require additional nutrients to grow effectively.
Proper fertilization helps succulents adapt quickly and thrive in their new conditions. Applying the right fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount will promote vigorous growth and enhance their vibrant colors.
=> Therefore, while succulents do need fertilization, it should be done sparingly.
2. When to fertilize succulents
You can fertilize succulents at any time of the year; it doesn’t have to be specifically in spring, summer, fall, or winter. However, it’s best to avoid fertilizing succulents during rainy periods. The damp environment can lead to fungal diseases, and the soil doesn’t dry out as easily as usual.
According to Green Sedum’s experience, it’s best to mix fertilizer into the growing medium before planting. Then, after about six months, fertilize the succulents again.
>>> Read more: How to Grow Succulents: Essential Tips for Every Home
3. Types of fertilizers for succulents
At Green Sedum, we emphasize using only organic fertilizers in this article, as they are environmentally friendly and beneficial for plants. We encourage limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and root stimulants.
3.1. Vermicompost
Vermicompost, produced by red worms after consuming organic matter, is a highly nutritious and entirely organic fertilizer. Vermicompost offers several benefits:
- Balances soil pH effectively (pH 7), making it suitable for succulents.
Stimulates plant growth. - Increases plant yield.
- Provides beneficial microorganisms to the soil.
- Supplies essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and more.
- Enhances plant resistance to diseases.
- Maintains good moisture levels.
At Green Sedum, we always prioritize using vermicompost when mixing potting soil for succulents, ornamental plants, or cacti. However, it’s important to use a small amount to prevent overheating the soil and ensure it doesn’t retain too much moisture.
3.2. Cow manure
Cow manure, a type of animal manure composed of decomposed cow waste and bedding material, is traditionally processed or enhanced with bio-products.
This organic material significantly enriches soil quality and provides essential nutrients, including 1.57% nitrogen, 2.29% phosphorus (P2O5), and 1.08% potassium (K2O). While cow manure is commonly used for fruit plants like bananas, it can also be beneficial for fertilizing succulents.
To use cow manure for succulent fertilization, ensure it is treated with lime powder or bio-products such as Trichoderma to maintain cleanliness and prevent potential issues. Products like Tropical Cow Manure and 1989 Decomposed Cow Manure are popular choices for this purpose.
3.3. Microbial chicken manure for fertilizing succulents
Chicken manure is a common organic fertilizer in agriculture, rich in nutrients that effectively improve soil quality. However, the processing of chicken manure is complex and traditional methods may leave unpleasant odors if not properly treated.
Using bio-processed chicken manure helps succulents grow robustly and beautifully. Use sparingly to avoid soil overheating and potential odor issues indoors.
3.4. Goat manure
At Green Sedum, we frequently use goat manure for fertilizing succulents due to its well-balanced nutrient profile. While it contains slightly fewer nutrients compared to chicken manure, goat manure’s pellet form is advantageous because it minimizes odors and reduces insect attraction. This form also enhances soil aeration and provides a range of benefits for your plants.
In addition to being ideal for succulent fertilization, goat manure is also effective for various ornamental plants, including roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, and fruit trees. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit.
3.5. Bat guano
Bat guano is the waste product from bats after they digest their food. Thanks to their efficient digestive systems and insect-based diet, bat guano supplies plants with a variety of nutrients such as uric acid, urea, vitamin A, potassium, and more.
Bat guano provides a stable amount of N-P-K compounds, with phosphorus being the most abundant. This makes bat guano a standout choice for fertilizing succulents.
3.6. Slow-release fertilizers – granular form
Slow-release fertilizers contain nutrients that are gradually released into the soil over an extended period, longer than other types of manure. These fertilizers consist of two main parts:
- The outer shell is a polymer coating; the thicker the coating, the longer the nutrient release period.
- The inner part contains essential nutrients for plants, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn). This ensures a consistent supply of nutrients to the plants without the risk of over-fertilizing.
3.7. Liquid fertilizers for spraying
When it comes to fertilizing succulents, liquid fertilizers offer a convenient and effective option. These fertilizers are easy to use and provide rapid results. To apply, simply dilute the liquid fertilizer with well water or clean water that has been left to sit overnight, then spray it directly at the base of your succulents.
The main advantages of liquid fertilizers include their quick action and ease of use. However, one downside is their short-lived effect, especially in hot weather, where they can evaporate or wash away more easily. You can choose from pre-mixed liquid fertilizers or create your own, such as IMO 4, to suit your succulent care needs.
>>> Discover more: How Often to Water Succulents: Essential Tips for Every Season
3.8. Organic fertilizers from kitchen waste
If you want to utilize available materials at home to create fertilizer for your succulents, kitchen waste is an excellent option. This method not only saves money but also reduces environmental waste. You can compost fruit peels (such as apple, banana, mango, guava) and eggshells (chicken, duck, goose), combining them with biological products and clean soil to create high-quality organic fertilizer from kitchen waste.
3.9. Organic Fertilizer Pellets for Succulents
When fertilizing succulents, organic fertilizer pellets offer a practical and eco-friendly option. These pellets are made from common organic materials like vermicompost, goat manure, and bat guano, compressed into pellet form without any polymer coatings. This makes them a more sustainable choice for your succulent care routine.
Organic fertilizer pellets work similarly to slow-release fertilizers, providing nutrients gradually over time. They are environmentally friendly and free from synthetic additives. However, it’s important to avoid using animal carcasses or rotten meat in the production of these pellets, as they can produce unpleasant odors and potentially encourage harmful microorganisms. Choose high-quality organic pellets to ensure the best results for your succulents.
4. Fertilizing Succulents: Instructions For Success
Fertilizing succulents is a crucial step to ensure their healthy growth. However, it needs to be done correctly to avoid harming the plants. Here are some detailed instructions:
- Water before fertilizing: Before applying fertilizer, thoroughly water the succulents to prevent root burn. Water them well and wait for the soil to dry slightly before fertilizing.
- Choose suitable fertilizer: There are various types of fertilizers available for succulents, such as liquid, granular, slow-release, compost, and organic fertilizers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits the specific needs of your plants.
- Apply the right amount of fertilizer: Succulents do not require a lot of fertilizer. Applying too much can “burn” the plants. Use a small amount of fertilizer, at a concentration of half or less. During the dormant season, dilute the fertilizer even further.
- Apply fertilizer to the soil: It’s best to apply fertilizer around the base of the plants in the soil rather than directly onto the leaves or stems. This helps the roots absorb nutrients more effectively. If fertilizer gets on the leaves or stems, rinse it off with water immediately.
- Follow the recommended schedule: Succulents should be fertilized during the growing season, usually in spring and summer, and less frequently in fall and winter. Follow the recommended schedule and apply fertilizer according to specific instructions.
5. Frequently asked questions
What are the consequences of not fertilizing succulents?
Succulents have low nutritional requirements, but if kept in the same potting mix for too long, over a year for instance, you may notice the plants becoming lackluster, with colors fading, and roots potentially growing onto the stem or the plant becoming weak. Therefore, fertilizing remains important to keep succulents looking vibrant and healthy.
When is the ideal time to fertilize succulents?
You can fertilize at any time of the year, but ideally every 6 months. In terms of time of day, early morning or late afternoon is best.
How much fertilizer should be applied?
This depends on the size of your plant. It’s best to start with a low dosage. For slow-release pellets, about 5 pellets per plant should suffice.
How do you fertilize succulents?
- For compost or manure, simply loosen the soil at the base of the plant, add the fertilizer, and cover it with soil again.
- For pellets or slow-release fertilizer, simply scatter around the base of the plant.
- For liquid fertilizer, you can dilute it with water at the appropriate ratio and spray it under the plant’s base.
Should succulents be fertilized frequenftly?
NO! Doing so can “burn” the plants, causing shock and weakening.
Should garden soil be used instead of potting mix and fertilizer?
Never use garden soil for fertilizing succulents in containers at home. Garden soil is often not properly sterilized and can contain harmful pathogens. Additionally, it usually contains more organic matter and clay, which are prone to compaction and can lead to waterlogging in pots.
>>>Find out more:
How to Grow Thriving Succulents in a Pot: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Revive a Succulent: Proven Techniques for Bringing Plants Back to Life
Over 7 Types of Pots for Succulents
I’m Will Bernan, a gardening enthusiast with over 9 years of experience in succulents, indoor plants, and sustainable living. I also manage SEO for eco-friendly textile brands, promoting fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton.
