How to Fertilize Succulents

The best times to fertilize your succulents are in spring when daytime temps stay above 60 degrees F; and in the fall, right before a rainstorm. Note: Growers fertilize plants more often to promote faster growth.

Potted succulents: A light feeding of manure tea, diluted fish emulsion, or an all-purpose granulated fertilizer help succulents grow lush and lovely. Be sure to dilute concentrated liquid fertilizers half-and-half with water. Not doing so risks damaging roots.

In-ground succulents don't really need fertilizing, but in spring (if you want to, it's not essential), apply a balanced granular fertilizer. In autumn, to boost lush growth the following spring, apply Ironite according to package directions, ideally before a rainstorm.

Water plants before fertilizing them. It helps spread fertilizer more evenly and reduces the risk of "burning" roots.

I mix liquid fertilizer (like fish emulsion) half-and-half with water in a watering can or bucket, then pour the dilute liquid fertilizer onto the soil until the solution begins to run out the hole in the bottom of the pot.

If plant growth completely covers the top of the pot, set the pot in a pie pan or pot saucer and add the solution to the shallow container. It'll wick up into the soil through the pot's hole.

In the garden, simply spread granular fertilizer per package directions and water it in. I wear disposable plastic gloves, reach into the bag, grab a handful, and toss it onto the ground above where roots likely are. Then I spray the area with a hose.

The brand doesn't matter (I prefer organic) but the ratio of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorous) and K (potassium) ideally is equal. Labels typically read "all purpose granular plant food" (or "all purpose fertilizer") and show three numbers that are the same: "10-10-10" or "triple 15."

It's important to reiterate that they can get by, even in nutrient-poor soils, without it. Succulents in pots need feeding more than in-ground plants do, because roots access a limited amount of soil.

Liquid fertilizer (pots): Give about half the concentration of the dose recommended on the package. (i.e. dilute to half strength.)

Granular (in the garden): Spread lightly according to package directions and water-in well.

The best times to fertilize your succulents are in spring when daytime temps stay above 60 degrees F; and in the fall, right before a rainstorm.

It doesn't much matter. They'll likely grow faster and larger if you do, but that may not be what you want. Tender new growth is more prone to wind damage, sun- and frost-burn, and may require trimming you hadn't anticipated. I especially don't recommend fertilizing succulents that you want to keep small and compact, like those in terrariums and wreaths.

That's what many growers do. A little bit of fertilizer with every watering promotes rapid growth. However, such plants are considered "soft" (a nursery term) rather than "hard," meaning tough. It's a trade-off. I grow my succulents hard to help them better endure the open garden.

Yes. Soils vary from region to region and even within a garden. The best way to know what your soil lacks is to have it tested. But it's common sense that succulents growing in, say, oak leaf mulch are getting ample nutrients and don't need fertilizing; those that have been in pots for years or growing in decomposed granite will likely appreciate it.

You can improve the nutrient content of your soil by top-dressing (ideally in fall, before winter rains) with compost.

Discover the best soil and amendments for succulents.