How to fertilize succulents correctly - tips on the ideal fertilizer

How to fertilize succulents correctly - tips on the ideal fertilizer

Traditional flower fertilizer is counterproductive

The care of succulents is characterized by a water and nutrient balance on a low level. The high-dose NPK concentration of commercially available flower fertilizers (€ 13.27 at Amazon *) floods the frugal plants with nutrients. The consequences are a lumpy, weakened growth and the absence of the longed for flowers. Therefore, please only use special succulent fertilizer, which is usually available in stores under the name cactus fertilizer.

also read

  • How to fertilize your amaryllis correctly - tips on the ideal fertilizer
  • Watering succulents correctly - tips & tricks
  • Plant and care for succulents in jars correctly - this is how it works

Properly fertilize succulents - this is how it works

Your succulent plant beauties don't need extra nutrients all year round. Only in parallel to the growth and flowering period do you use succulent fertilizer to balance the nutrient reserves that have been used up. Stop the application of fertilizer during the winter rest period. How to do it right:

  • From May to September add liquid cactus fertilizer to the lime-free irrigation water
  • Add about 1 ml of liquid fertilizer to 1 liter of water every second watering pass
  • Put the nutrient solution either directly on the substrate or over the leaves and shoots
  • Pour clear water before and after fertilizing

In contrast to other houseplants, succulents have a stable epidermis so that they can absorb the fertilizer through leaves and shoots as well as the roots. As an exception, overhead irrigation is allowed for cacti and other succulents.

Succulents in the garden are satisfied with a starter fertilizer

If you cultivate hardy succulents outside in the bed, the plants have permanent access to nutrient reserves thanks to the surrounding soil. With an organic start fertilization in April / May you get growth and flowering going. You can either apply liquid cactus fertilizer or work acidic leaf compost into the soil.

Tips

If the succulent leaves become soft, this dilemma is not due to a lack of nutrients. Rather, succulents with soft plant parts signal that their water supplies are running out because too little has been watered. Especially in summer, please water the plants regularly as soon as the substrate has dried about 2 cm deep.