Succulents are plants that are particularly suitable for growing at home. However, to keep them in a plump and healthy state, we need to provide them with proper nutrition. Choosing the right fertilizer is especially important. Now, let's take a look at how to choose the most suitable fertilizer.
1. Understand the Growth Habits of Succulents
Succulents are slow-growing and drought-resistant, and have a smaller demand for fertilizer compared to other plants. Before fertilizing, we need to understand their growth habits.
2. Understand the Nutritional Needs of Succulents
Succulents have different requirements for elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When choosing a fertilizer, we need to pay attention to their needs for different nutrients.
3. Choose Fertilizers with Low Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
Succulents do not have high demands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so we can choose fertilizers containing small amounts of these elements to avoid over-fertilization.
4. Choose Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizers contain more trace elements and beneficial bacteria and release nutrients gradually, which is more beneficial for plant growth. We can choose to use organic fertilizers.
5. Make Your Own Succulent Fertilizer
The raw materials for making succulent fertilizer can be common food scraps from home, animal manure, etc. The process is also very simple. Homemade fertilizers can better meet the needs of succulents.
6. Crushed Eggshells
Grinding crushed eggshells into a powder and sprinkling them directly on the soil helps increase the calcium and phosphorus elements in the soil. But be careful not to apply too much to avoid excessive concentration of calcium ions.
7. Charcoal
After grinding charcoal into a powder and adding it to the soil of succulents, it can help loosen the soil and absorb water to retain moisture.
8. Copper Sulfate Solution
A copper sulfate solution can prevent succulents from getting root rot due to lack of oxygen in the soil. However, the concentration of the copper sulfate solution should not be too high to avoid burning the plant's roots.
9. Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate can promote the root growth of succulents, but it should be applied in moderation. Excessive application of potassium nitrate may cause the plant to wilt.
10. Herbicides
Succulents should not be planted with other plants. If weeds are found growing near the succulents, a herbicide needs to be used to remove them. However, the chosen herbicide must be harmless to the succulents.
11. Purchase from Specialty Stores
Purchasing fertilizers specifically formulated for succulents from specialty stores is generally more reliable in quality. But you should choose the appropriate fertilizer according to the needs of the succulents.
12. Choose Products with Standards
When purchasing fertilizer, be sure to choose products that meet standards. Because products without standards may contain toxic ingredients which can be harmful to succulents.
13. Fertilization Time
Succulents do not need frequent fertilization, once every 3-4 weeks is generally sufficient. It is best to fertilize in the morning or evening to avoid harm to the plant from strong sun.
14. Fertilization Amount
The amount of fertilizer should be moderate to avoid wasting it. Generally speaking, about 5 grams of fertilizer is suitable for every square meter of soil.
15. Adjust Fertilization Methods
When using fertilizer, adjust the fertilization method appropriately according to the growth status and environmental conditions of the succulents to ensure the healthy growth of the plant.
Choosing the right fertilizer has a very important impact on the growth of succulents. We need to choose a suitable fertilizer based on the growth habits and needs of the succulents and pay attention to the amount, timing, and moderation during the fertilization process. Only in this way can we ensure that succulents grow healthily.