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.

See my video on how to fertilize succulents.

A light feeding of manure tea, diluted fish emulsion, or a balanced fertilizer (15-15-15) help succulents grow lush and lovely. Be sure to dilute concentrated liquid fertilizers. Not doing so risks damaging roots.

For container-grown succulents, use one Moo Poo tea bag per three gallons of water, steeped overnight. Pour at the base of the plant until it runs out the bottom. Or use fish emulsion, diluted half strength.

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

Yes. Otherwise known as Authentic Haven Brand Soil Conditioner, Premium Manure Tea. (Btw, I don't get paid to endorse it.)

Water plants before fertilizing them. It helps spread fertilizer more evenly and reduces the risk of "burning" roots. Apply the dilute liquid fertilizer until it begins to run out the pot. In the garden, spread granular fertilizer and water it in.

The brand doesn't matter, but the ratio of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorous) and K (potassium) should be equal.

Liquid fertilizer (pots): Succulents need about half the dose recommended on the package.

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.