Best Homemade Succulent Fertilizers: When and How to Apply

Succulents make great houseplants with their unusual forms, vibrant colours, and little maintenance. However, even these strong plants benefit from proper feeding. While they are adapted to survive in nutrient-poor soils, they thrive when given the right nutrients at the right time.

Best Homemade Succulent Fertilizers

The Importance of Fertilizer for Succulents

Fertilizers play a crucial role in the life of succulents. They provide necessary nutrients that the plant may not get from the soil, enhancing the plant’s growth, color, and overall health. While succulents are known for their hardiness and ability to tolerate poor soil conditions, supplementing them with homemade fertilizer can give them the boost they need to flourish.

Understanding Fertilizer and the NPK Ratio

Fertilizers are usually labeled with a ratio of three numbers, representing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), respectively. Since each nutrient affects plant development, this NPK ratio is crucial. Nitrogen promotes green leafy growth, phosphorus aids in root and flower development, and potassium helps with overall plant health and disease resistance. Succulents need a balanced NPK ratio, but a little more phosphorus can encourage more vibrant blooms. Thus, an ideal succulent fertilizer NPK ratio could be 1:2:2 or 2:3:2.

Crafting the Best Homemade Fertilizer for Succulents

Compost Tea: One of the simplest homemade fertilizers to make is compost tea. Soak compost in water for several days, then strain it. The resulting liquid is full of nutrients and is gentle on plants. However, it might not provide a precise NPK ratio.
Eggshell and Banana Peel Fertilizer: Save your eggshells and banana peels. Eggshells provide calcium, which is crucial for cell wall structure, while banana peels are rich in potassium. Dry and grind eggshells to a powder and cut banana peels into small pieces. Water your succulents using the water you get after soaking them for a few days.
Coffee Ground Fertilizer: The fact that coffee grounds are high in nitrogen and just slightly acidic enables succulents to absorb nutrients more effectively. However, they should be used sparingly and mixed with other materials like compost to avoid over-acidifying the soil.
Aquarium Water: The water is likely rich in nitrogen and other nutrients if you have a fish tank. Use this water sparingly as it can be quite potent.

The Best Natural Fertilizers for Succulents

Worm Castings: Worm castings, or vermicompost, are a rich source of nutrients. They improve soil structure, retain moisture, and are unlikely to burn plants.
Seaweed Extract: Extract from seaweed, which is high in beneficial trace elements, stimulates robust root development. It’s usually sold in a concentrated liquid form that needs to be diluted before use.
Bone Meal: Phosphorus, which may be found in abundance in bone meal, encourages flowering and strong root development. It is a slow-release fertilizer, providing nutrients over an extended period.

Liquid Fertilizer for Succulents

Liquid fertilizers are a convenient choice for succulents. They are easily absorbed and allow for quick adjustment of nutrient levels. You can make a simple liquid fertilizer at home by diluting the compost tea, eggshell, and banana peel fertilizer or coffee ground fertilizer with more water. For commercially available options, look for a liquid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio or slightly higher in phosphorus.

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When and How to Apply Fertilizer to Succulents

Succulents have a different growth cycle compared to other plants. Their active growing period is usually during spring and summer, and they go into a semi-dormant state during the winter. Therefore, it’s best to fertilize succulents during their active growth period. Start applying fertilizer in early spring and continue through the summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop entirely during winter. Overwintering succulents may not need any feeding, but light feeding can be beneficial if your plants are indoors and still growing.

Before fertilizing, always water your succulents thoroughly. Dry succulents can suffer root burn if fertilizer is applied to unmoistened soil. Follow this watering with a light application of your chosen fertilizer. It’s also important to note that less is more when it comes to fertilizing succulents. They are adapted to grow in nutrient-poor conditions, so it’s better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. Over-fertilization can lead to succulent leaves becoming soft, discolored, and potentially falling off.

The type of fertilizer you’re using will determine how often you need to apply it. Homemade and natural fertilizers generally release nutrients slowly, so they can be applied less frequently, perhaps once a month. Liquid fertilizers, particularly synthetic ones, are typically more concentrated and may need to be applied more frequently, perhaps every two weeks, but always diluted and in smaller quantities.

Monitoring the Results

After fertilizing, monitor your succulents closely to see how they respond. Signs of over-fertilization include discolored leaves, soft or mushy leaves, and a general decline in plant health. Stop fertilizing and let your succulents recover if you notice any of these signs. On the other hand, if your succulents respond well to the fertilizer, you should see improved growth, color, and vitality. You might also notice more frequent blooming in flowering varieties.

Adjusting Your Fertilizer Routine

Remember, every succulent is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Feel free to adjust your fertilizer routine based on your observations. Try different DIY fertilisers and application frequencies for succulents.

Tailoring Your Fertilizer to Your Succulents’ Needs

Different succulents may have slightly different nutrient needs. Some may prefer a higher nitrogen content for leafy growth, while others may need more phosphorus for blooming. Research the specific needs of your succulents and adjust your homemade fertilizer accordingly. For instance, if your succulents need more phosphorus, adding bone meal to your fertilizer can provide a phosphorus boost.

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Conclusion

Feeding your succulents with the right homemade fertilizer can significantly affect their health and appearance. Always remember to apply fertilizer sparingly, in the right season, and with the right NPK ratio. With these guidelines, you’ll see your succulents thrive with vibrant colors, strong growth, and possibly even some beautiful blooms.

Best Homemade Succulent Fertilizers: When and How to Apply