Their characteristic frugality is expressed, among other things, in the fact that succulents require little water and even fewer nutrients. However, the strikingly shaped indoor plants cannot do completely without fertilizer. You can find out here when and how to properly fertilize the exotic desert beauties.

Cactus fertilizer is the right choice for succulents

Conventional flower fertilizer is counterproductive

The care of succulents is characterized by a water and nutrient balance at a low level. The high-dose NPK concentration of commercially available flower fertilizer (€1.95) floods the undemanding plants with nutrients. The consequences are masty, weakened growth and the absence of the longed-for flowers. Therefore, please only use special succulent fertilizers, which are usually available in stores under the name cactus fertilizer.

Fertilize succulents professionally - this is how it works

Your succulent plant beauties don't need extra nutrients all year round. Only parallel to the growth and flowering time you balance the consumed nutrient supplies with succulent fertilizer. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy. How to do it right:

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

Unlike other houseplants, succulents have a stable epidermis, so they can absorb fertilizer through the leaves, shoots, and roots. Exceptionally, overhead watering is allowed for cacti and other succulents.

Succulents in the garden are content with a start fertilization

If you cultivate hardy succulents outside in the bed, the plants have constant access to nutrient supplies thanks to the surrounding soil. With an organic initial fertilization in April/May you will stimulate growth and flowering. You can either administer liquid cactus fertilizer or work acidic leaf compost into the soil.

tips

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

Category:

Vegetable garden