9 Easy Tips for Fertilizing Your Succulents: Nurture Your Desert Gems Without the Guesswork

Succulents have changed my gardening life with their fascinating shapes and low-maintenance personalities. I used to think these desert-dwelling plants never needed extra nutrition, but I’ve since learned that a little fertilizer at the right time can transform them from merely surviving to genuinely thriving.

Even drought-tolerant succulents benefit from proper feeding. It helps them develop stronger roots, more vibrant colors, and produce those adorable “pups” we all love to propagate.

My journey with fertilizing succulents began after noticing some of my favorite plants looking a bit sad despite proper watering and sunlight. That’s when I discovered that, like all living things, succulents need nutrients too – just in different amounts and at different times than your typical houseplants.

I’ve tried various methods over the years, from diluted liquid fertilizers to slow-release granules, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about keeping these fascinating plants happy and healthy.

1) Start with water-soluble fertilizer at half strength

I learned the hard way that succulents are sensitive little creatures when it comes to feeding time. My first attempt at fertilizing my jade plant collection left a few with burnt leaf edges because I used the fertilizer at full strength. Oops!

Water-soluble fertilizers are my go-to for succulents because they’re easy to mix and apply. When I’m preparing to feed my succulent babies, I always dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the package.

Some experts even suggest going lighter than half strength. I’ve seen recommendations to use less than 1/4 of the normal dose, especially for more sensitive varieties. When in doubt, I lean toward a weaker solution.

The risk with succulents is definitely overfeeding rather than underfeeding. These desert dwellers evolved in nutrient-poor environments, so they don’t need as much fertilizer as your average houseplant.

I apply my diluted fertilizer by simply watering my plants with the solution when they need a drink. This ensures the nutrients reach the roots without shocking the plant.

For my collection, I use a cactus-specific fertilizer that’s already formulated for these types of plants. Then I dilute it even further to be extra safe.

Remember that with succulents, less is more! I’d rather underfeed my plants slightly than risk burning them with too much of a good thing. My succulents have thanked me with vibrant colors and healthy growth since I adopted this half-strength approach.

2) Fertilize during growing season for best results

Timing is everything when it comes to feeding your succulents! I’ve learned through many failed attempts that these plants have their own schedule. Most succulents actively grow during spring and summer, making these seasons the perfect time to provide them with nutrients.

I like to start fertilizing my succulents in early spring when I notice new growth appearing. This is when they’re waking up from their winter rest and getting hungry for nutrients. Fertilizing during the active growing season helps them develop strong roots and vibrant colors.

During winter, most succulents enter a dormant period where growth slows down significantly. I made the mistake of fertilizing year-round when I first started growing succulents, and my plants looked stressed rather than thriving.

For indoor succulents, I apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. This gives them enough nutrition without overwhelming their system. By early fall, I taper off completely to prepare them for their winter rest.

I’ve noticed that my succulents respond differently to fertilizer based on their growing conditions. My windowsill plants in bright light might need feeding more often than those in shadier spots. It’s all about observation and getting to know your plant friends!

Remember that succulents naturally thrive in nutrient-poor soil, so less is definitely more. I’ve killed more succulents with kindness (over-fertilizing) than with neglect!

I keep a little calendar noting when I’ve fertilized each plant group. This helps me stay on track without overdoing it. My plants seem to appreciate this organized approach—or at least they haven’t complained yet!

3) Apply fertilizer to soil, not leaves

I learned this lesson the hard way after burning the beautiful leaves on my Echeveria. When I first started growing succulents, I thought spraying fertilizer directly on the leaves would help them absorb nutrients faster. Boy, was I wrong!

Always apply your fertilizer to the soil around your succulents, not on their leaves. Those plump, waxy leaves that make succulents so special can actually get burned or damaged when fertilizer sits on them. Think of it like getting salt on your skin – not pleasant!

The roots are designed to take up nutrients, not the leaves. When I fertilize my succulents now, I carefully pour the diluted fertilizer solution directly onto the soil, making sure to avoid splashing onto the leaves. Sometimes I use a small watering can with a narrow spout for better control.

If you accidentally get fertilizer on the leaves, don’t panic! Just rinse them gently with clean water. I keep a spray bottle handy for quick clean-ups like this.

For potted succulents, I find it helpful to water first with plain water, then follow up with the fertilizer solution. This helps prevent root burn and ensures the fertilizer disperses evenly throughout the soil.

Remember that succulents thrive in nutrient-poor soil, so they don’t need much fertilizer anyway. A gentle application to the soil surface is all they need to get those extra nutrients without risking damage to their beautiful foliage.

4) Use organic options for a gentle feed

I’ve discovered that my succulents respond amazingly well to organic fertilizers. These natural options provide a gentle, slow-release nutrition that won’t burn those sensitive succulent roots. My plants practically do a happy dance when I use them!

Fish emulsion is one of my go-to choices for feeding my succulent babies. Though it smells a bit funky (my cat gives me judging looks when I use it), the results are worth holding my nose for a few minutes. I’ve noticed my jade plants develop richer colors when I use this fish emulsion.

Tea compost is another fantastic organic option I’ve tried. It’s super easy to make at home by steeping compost in water. I simply mix it into the soil around the base of my plants, and they soak up those gentle nutrients.

Don’t toss those eggshells! I’ve found they’re an excellent source of calcium for my succulents. I grind them into a fine powder and sprinkle it around my plants, especially my Echeverias which seem to appreciate the extra mineral boost.

Manure tea sounds gross (and yes, it kinda is), but it works wonders! I use a light feeding of manure tea on my potted succulents in spring, and they reward me with the most gorgeous growth.

I’ve learned that the best part about organic fertilizers is their forgiveness factor. Unlike chemical fertilizers that can quickly damage your plants if you use too much, organic options release nutrients slowly, making them perfect for succulent-growing beginners like I once was.

5) Avoid fertilizing during dormancy

Just like how I take a break from my usual workout routine in winter, succulents need their rest too. Many succulents go dormant during certain seasons, usually in fall and winter. During this time, they’re basically taking a nap and won’t need to be fertilized.

I learned this lesson the hard way after burning the roots of my favorite Echeveria with fertilizer during its winter snooze. When succulents are dormant, their growth slows way down, and they can’t use the nutrients you’re offering.

Fertilizing dormant succulents is like trying to feed someone who’s fast asleep – it just doesn’t work! Not only is it wasteful, but it can actually harm your plants by causing fertilizer burn or encouraging weak, leggy growth.

How do you know if your succulents are dormant? I look for signs like slower growth, less water consumption, and sometimes a slight color change. Different succulents have different dormancy periods – some rest in winter, while others take their summer siesta.

For my collection, I completely stop fertilizing during each plant’s dormant phase. I keep a little plant journal noting which ones are summer-dormant (like Aeoniums) and which take their break in winter (like many Echeverias).

Once I see signs of new growth in spring (or after summer for summer-dormant varieties), that’s my cue to gradually reintroduce fertilizer. This approach has kept my succulents happy and prevented those disappointing fertilizer disasters I experienced as a beginner.

6) Mix used tea leaves for a DIY boost

I discovered this wonderful recycling hack years ago when I accidentally dropped some used tea leaves into my succulent pot. Instead of cleaning it up immediately, my lazy side won out – and my plants thanked me for it!

Used tea leaves make an excellent DIY fertilizer for succulents. They’re packed with nutrients like nitrogen that help promote healthy growth without being too harsh. Plus, it feels great to give those used tea bags a second life instead of tossing them in the trash.

To use tea leaves as fertilizer, I simply let my morning tea cool completely, then remove the leaves from the bag. I sprinkle them directly onto the soil around my succulents, gently working them in with my fingers. The leaves break down slowly, releasing nutrients over time.

You can also make a fertilizer tea by steeping used tea leaves in water. I typically use about 4 cups of this tea diluted with a gallon of water, which creates the perfect strength for succulents without burning their delicate roots.

Black, green, and herbal teas all work well. I avoid using teas with artificial flavors though, as these might contain chemicals that aren’t plant-friendly. Chamomile tea has been particularly good for my jade plants – they seem to perk up after each application!

I apply my tea leaf fertilizer about once a month during growing season (spring through early fall). During winter, I hold back since my succulents are mostly dormant and don’t need the extra nutrients.

7) Try eggshells for added calcium

I’ve always got eggshells piling up in my kitchen, and it turns out these breakfast leftovers are succulent superfood! My desert beauties absolutely love the calcium boost they get from eggshells, especially when they’re putting out new growth.

The first time I tried this hack, I was skeptical. Could something so simple really make a difference? But after seeing my jade plant perk up with greener leaves, I became a true believer in eggshell fertilizer benefits.

Preparing eggshells for your succulents is super easy. I rinse mine clean, let them dry completely, then crush them into tiny pieces. You want them powdery so they break down faster in the soil. I usually collect them in a jar for a few weeks before processing.

There are two main ways I use eggshells for my succulents. First, I mix the crushed shells directly into the potting mix when repotting. Just a small handful per pot does the trick!

My second favorite method is making eggshell tea for a liquid calcium boost. I steep about 10-20 clean, crushed eggshells in a gallon of boiling water overnight, then use this calcium-rich water for my monthly succulent drinks.

For succulents prone to blossom end rot, this extra calcium is especially helpful. I’ve noticed my echeverias produce much healthier blooms when I’m consistent with my eggshell treatments.

Some of my plant friends use eggshells at the bottom of pots as drainage material. I’ve tried this too, placing crushed shells in the bottom layer before adding soil. It works great as a pot crock substitute while slowly releasing nutrients.

Remember that eggshells break down slowly, so this is more of a long-term nutrition strategy. I combine it with regular fertilizer for the best results. My succulents have never looked better!

8) Opt for slow-release formulations

I’ve tried all kinds of fertilizers for my succulents over the years, and slow-release formulations have become my absolute favorite. They’re like little time capsules of nutrition that feed your plants gradually instead of all at once.

When I first started with succulents, I made the mistake of using regular fertilizer too frequently. My poor plants suffered from fertilizer burn! That’s when I discovered slow-release options and never looked back.

These clever little pellets are designed to dissolve slowly over time, releasing nutrients gradually when you water your plants. This mimics how succulents would naturally receive nutrients in their native environments.

The application couldn’t be easier. I simply sprinkle the pellets evenly over the soil surface and water as usual. The best part? I only need to do this every 8-9 months instead of remembering monthly applications!

I particularly love slow-release fertilizers for my outdoor succulent garden. When the rainy season comes, I don’t worry about all the nutrients washing away at once. The pellets stay put and keep working their magic.

Many slow-release options are all-natural and organic, which is important to me. I sleep better knowing I’m not dumping harsh chemicals on my precious plant babies.

If you’re forgetful like me, slow-release formulations are a game-changer. I set a reminder twice a year to refresh the fertilizer, and that’s it! My succulents get a steady diet without me having to remember monthly feedings.

9) Be cautious with salt-sensitive succulents

I learned this lesson the hard way when I nearly killed my favorite Echeveria with an overzealous fertilizing schedule. Succulents are actually quite sensitive to salts and chemicals found in many fertilizers, which can build up in the soil and damage their delicate root systems.

I’ve found that organic fertilizers work best for my salt-sensitive succulent babies. They release nutrients slowly and are much gentler on those precious roots. My go-to is a diluted fish emulsion that I apply very sparingly.

If you notice white crusting on your soil or pot edges, that’s a big red flag! This salt buildup can harm your plants, and I’ve saved many troubled succulents by simply repotting them in fresh soil when I spot these warning signs.

I always make sure to water thoroughly when fertilizing to help flush excess salts through the drainage holes. This little trick has saved countless of my succulents from fertilizer burn over the years.

For my more sensitive varieties like some Haworthias and Gasterias, I dilute fertilizer to about half the recommended strength. Better to underfeed than overfeed when it comes to these divas!

Sometimes I use Epsom salt as a gentler alternative for my salt-sensitive plants. Just a tiny pinch dissolved in water gives them that magnesium boost without the harsh chemicals.

Understanding Succulent Nutrition

When I first started growing succulents, I had no idea they had such unique nutritional needs! These desert-adapted plants have evolved to thrive in harsh conditions with minimal nutrients, making their fertilizing needs quite different from typical houseplants.

Nutrient Needs of Succulents

Succulents need much less fertilizer than most plants. They’ve adapted to survive in nutrient-poor soil, which is why they don’t require frequent feeding. In my experience, they mainly need three key nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Helps with leaf and stem growth, but too much causes leggy plants!
• Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering
• Potassium (K): Strengthens overall plant health and disease resistance

I’ve found that succulents prefer a low-nitrogen fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 2-7-7 or similar. Higher phosphorus and potassium compared to nitrogen works best in my garden. During active growth seasons (spring and summer), I apply fertilizer at ¼ to ½ the recommended strength.

Common Misconceptions About Fertilizing

The biggest myth I encounter is that succulents need the same feeding schedule as other houseplants. Not true! Succulents thrive in nutrient-poor conditions and can actually suffer from over-fertilizing.

Another misconception is that all succulents have identical needs. In my collection, I’ve noticed varieties like Echeverias appreciate slightly more nutrients during growing season than something like a Haworthia.

Many beginners think fertilizer will fix all problems. I learned the hard way that more isn’t better! Over-fertilizing can burn roots and cause irreparable damage.

I also discovered that coffee grounds can make great fertilizer for succulents in small amounts. They provide nitrogen naturally when used sparingly—a tip I wish I’d known years ago!

Timing and Frequency of Fertilization

Getting the timing right with succulent fertilization has been a game-changer for my collection. I’ve learned that these hardy plants need nutrients at specific times and in the right amounts to truly thrive without being overwhelmed.

Seasonal Fertilization Tips

Spring is my absolute favorite time to feed my succulents! I start fertilizing when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F. This is usually when they enter active growth. This timing gives them the nutrient boost they need as they wake up from winter dormancy.

I apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, which typically runs from spring through early fall. My personal rule of thumb is to never fertilize during winter when most succulents are resting.

For outdoor succulents, I love timing my fertilizing sessions right before a forecasted rainstorm. The rain helps distribute nutrients evenly and reduces the risk of fertilizer burn.

I’ve made the mistake of over-fertilizing in the past! Trust me, it’s better to under-fertilize than over-do it. If your succulents look healthy, a feeding schedule of twice a year (once in early spring and once in late summer) might be all they need.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Picking the right plant food for your succulents can feel like a bit of a puzzle at first. I’ve learned through many trials (and a few brown-leaf disasters) that these desert-dwellers have specific nutritional needs that differ from other houseplants.

Types of Fertilizers for Succulents

When I first started growing succulents, I had no idea they needed special fertilizer. Regular houseplant food can be too strong! Most experts recommend a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio close to 3-1-2 for succulents. This means the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are in proportions that succulents prefer.

I’ve had great success with these types:

• Liquid fertilizers: Easy to dilute and apply when watering
• Slow-release granules: My personal favorite for busy weeks
• Specialized succulent fertilizers: Pre-formulated with the right micronutrients

Always look for fertilizers with a lower nitrogen content than what you’d use for leafy plants. Too much nitrogen can cause succulents to grow too quickly and become leggy. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way with my first Echeveria!

Organic vs. Synthetic Options

I’ve tried both organic and synthetic fertilizers for my succulent collection. Honestly, both have their place in my gardening routine.

Organic options I love include:

• Worm castings (gentle and effective)
• Compost tea (I make my own!)
• Humic acid fertilizers (great for soil health)

These natural fertilizers provide slow, steady nutrition. They also improve the soil structure in your pots. My jade plants respond beautifully to a light sprinkle of worm castings twice a year.

Synthetic fertilizers work faster and have more precise nutrient ratios. I keep a water-soluble succulent fertilizer on hand for quick feeding during the growing season. The key is to dilute to half the recommended strength. This is a trick I learned after burning the tips of my Haworthia.

Whatever you choose, remember that succulents don’t need much fertilizer compared to other plants. Less is definitely more in succulent care!