Echeveria in its native habitat grows in a very fast-draining and nutrient-lean desert soil. Often growing attached to the sides of steep slopes and between rocks and boulders, Echeveria does not need large amounts of nitrogen, potash, and potassium that are included in traditional houseplant food. Ideally, your succulents will only be fed very lightly and for just a couple of months during their peak growth period in summer.
Why Fertilize Echeveria
Fertilizing Echeveria is only needed to support strong root growth and sturdy leaf structure. Flowering Echeveria tend to be older than 4 or 5 years old and really are only influenced to bloom by day length and access to bright sun exposure. Light feeding during the growing season in summer helps support rapid root growth and build sturdy cell walls for any new foliage formation. When plants are in their semi-dormant state during the fall and winter fertilizing is not needed.
How Often To Fertilize Echeveria
Diluted liquid formulations are quick-acting and easier for the roots to take up as you water your Echeveria. Supplement a watering once a month with fertilizing from May until late August. Using time-released fertilizers is not recommended for succulents that do not need the constant flow of nutrients to their roots.
How To Tell If Echeveria Needs Fertilizer
The most common sign that your Echeveria may need a boost of nutrients is a fading of color or dramatic slowing of growth during the spring and summer months. Yellowing leaves could also indicate the need for fertilizer but for succulents, it often is more likely a sign that the plant is being overwatered. Because succulents require far less supplemental fertilizing, always make sure that overwatering or being in too much shade isn't really what is causing poor growth for your plant.
Best Fertilizer For Echeveria
Fertilizers intended for use on cacti and succulents have a higher ratio of potash and potassium to nitrogen. Those macronutrients encourage strong root growth, cell structure and eventually flowering. Using a high nitrogen fertilizer will encourage very large leaf growth but it typically is not as thick and fleshy or healthy as it should be and is much more likely to suffer from any pest or disease exposure. Echeveria can also become very leggy, growing a taller stem than usual giving the whole plant a leggy appearance. Look for a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer that has NPK ratio numbers similar to 1-2-2. Seaweed or fish emulsion (deodorized for use indoors!) is also a great way to provide an array of micronutrients and low nitrogen levels.
Echeveria Fertilizing Tips
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Only feed plants during the spring and summer months
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Use a diluted, liquid formulation
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Feed as a supplement to regular watering once a month
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Look for specific succulent and cacti formulas or a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen ratio than potash and potassium.
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
Sources:
“Cacti and Succulents.” University of Minnesota Extension. www.extension.umn.edu
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Author Robbin Small - Published 12-27-2024 |