FERTILIZING: How To Get Big Luscious Succulents
- Succulents & Propagation
- Sep 23, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 12
What fertilizer do succulents need? How much fertilizer should you use? When is the best time to fertilize? — If you're wondering any of these questions, don't worry, you're in the right place!
In this Succulents & Propagation blog, we'll cover the dos and don'ts of fertilizing succulents, recommended fertilizer products, including some tips to keep your succulents thriving.
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Do Succulents Even Need Fertilizer?
Get To Know N-P-K Ratios: What Does NPK Mean?!
What Are The Best Succulent Fertilizer Products?
How to Fertilize Potted Succulents
How Often Should You Apply Liquid Fertilizer To Succulents?
When Is the Best Time to Fertilize Succulents?
Succulents & Propagation Fertilizer Tips:
Do Succulents Even Need Fertilizer?
While succulents are adapted to grow in nutrient-poor environments and don't always require fertilization, they can still benefit from it. Potted succulents, and even in-ground succulents, will grow best when provided with supplemental nutrients, especially since constant watering gradually depletes the soil of its organic nutrients over time. This is particularly important if your soil mix lacks any organic matter.
Get To Know N-P-K Ratios: What Does NPK Mean?
N-P-K stands for:
N (Nitrogen) - Promotes leaf growth; too much can cause stretching
P (Phosphorus) - Encourages root development, flowering, and disease resistance.
K (Potassium) - Supports water regulation and nutrient absorption.
Every fertilizer product label displays an NPK ratio as a #-#-# number (e.g., 1-4-4, 2-7-7, 10-10-10, 10-30-20). These three numerical values represent the macronutrients present in the fertilizer product. For succulents, a low-to-moderate NPK ratio works best, typically 10 or lower for all values.
What Are The Best Succulent Fertilizer Products? With links!
Here are a few we suggest.
Beginner level:
Intermediate:
⚠ Be Cautious! With numerous choices out there, not all are ideal and some can be harmful to your succulents. Some fertilizers can desiccate ('burn") succulent roots if they are not an intended product or used heavily. This may cause the roots to turn dark brown/black and rot. Always research products before use or ask for recommendations in our Succulents & Propagation Facebook group.
How to Fertilize Potted Succulents
Fertilizing succulents properly can make all the difference in their growth. Whether you want fast-growing, lush succulents or prefer to keep your plants compact, applying the right amount of fertilizer is key.
Liquid Fertilizer:
✔ Read the directions for the amount and mix with water, then apply directly to the soil—not on the plant itself, as this can cause leaf burns. You can always dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent overfeeding.
Granular Fertilizer:
✔ Mix into the soil before planting or sprinkle lightly on top of the soil.
✔ Best for long-term feeding, as it slowly releases nutrients over time.
Compost & Worm Castings:
✔ For new pots: Mix into the soil or pot before planting.
✔ For existing pots: Top dress with ½–1 inch of compost or worm castings 2–4 times per year for a natural nutrient boost.
How Often Should You Apply Liquid Fertilizer To Succulents?
✔ Use every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season for steady growth.
✔ If your succulents are growing all year round or in a soilless mix, you can fertilize with every watering cycle with diluted solutions.
✔ For delicate or slow-growing succulents, dilute low NPK fertilizer to half strength to prevent over growing
Want faster growth? Use fertilizer more frequently for bigger, faster-growing succulents.
Prefer compact growth? Use minimal fertilizer (or none at all) to let your plants develop slowly and grow naturally.
🌟 Pro Tip: Succulent enthusiast Ingrid Flaatrud recommends Osmocote® Plus for a quick and efficient nutrient boost! Super easy to use, mix it in and forget about it!
When Is the Best Time to Fertilize Succulents?
The best time to fertilize depends on the succulent type and growing conditions.
Fertilizing Schedule:
1. Bi-Annual Fertilization (Best for most outdoor grown succulents)
Feed late winter/early spring (as new growth starts) and late summer/early fall (as temperatures drop).
Use slow-release fertilizers like Osmocote® Plus or top-dress with worm castings/compost.
⚠ Not recommended to fertilize during dormancy.
2. Continuous Fertilization (For steady growth of indoor or non dormant succulents)
Feed throughout the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Or use low-dose fertilizers 1-1-1, like Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food, mixed in with waterings.
Succulents & Propagation Fertilizer Tips:
✔ Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen (N) levels, as they can cause excessive stretching.
✔ Fertilizers with any additional micro nutrients in them are especially beneficial to plant health.
✔ Balanced fertilizers like 1-1-1, 5-5-5, or 10-10-10 work, but anything above 10-10-10 should be diluted.
✔ Tailor fertilizer strength to your desired plant growth. Never exceed the application rates specified on the product label.
Fertilizing can be a scheduled thing! Just be aware of the potency and frequency that you fertilize with. Consider your succulent goals – Do you want faster growth, or compact succulents? More versus less fertilizing.
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