Succulents are loved by many plant enthusiasts for their unique shapes and easy maintenance. Fertilizing is a crucial part of caring for succulents. How much fertilizer should be applied to meet the growth needs of succulents? This article will reveal the golden ratio for fertilizing succulents.
Principles of Fertilizing Succulents1. Moderate Fertilizing: Over-fertilizing can cause succulents to grow too vigorously, easily triggering diseases and pests; while insufficient fertilizing will affect the growth rate of succulents. Mastering the appropriate amount of fertilizer is key.
2. Choosing the Right Fertilizer: Succulents have different fertilizer requirements from other plants and a fertilizer suitable for succulent growth should be chosen.
3. Fertilizing Frequency: Succulents have a limited capacity for absorbing fertilizer, so the fertilizing frequency should not be too high.
Golden Ratio for Fertilizing Succulents1. Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium Ratio: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in succulent fertilizer are the three major elements for plant growth, with a general ratio of 20-30-20. Nitrogenous fertilizer promotes plant growth, phosphorus fertilizer promotes flowering and fruiting, and potassium fertilizer enhances the plant's disease resistance.
2. Fertilizer Concentration: The concentration of succulent fertilizer should not be too high, generally controlled between 0.1%-0.2%. High concentrations of fertilizer can damage the roots of succulents.
3. Fertilizing Amount: The amount of fertilizer varies depending on the size and growth stage of the succulent, with the following reference proportions:
(1) Seedling Stage: Apply once every 10 days, with a dosage of 100-200 milliliters each time.
(2) Growth Stage: Apply once every 15 days, with a dosage of 200-300 milliliters each time.
(3) Dormancy Stage: Reduce fertilizing frequency, apply once every 30 days, with a dosage of 100-200 milliliters each time.
Precautions1. Fertilizing Time: It is best to fertilize on sunny days and avoid fertilizing during cloudy or rainy weather.
2. Fertilizing Method: Spread the fertilizer evenly around the succulent and then gently cover it with soil.
3. Observing Plant Response: After fertilizing, observe the growth condition of the succulent. If you notice symptoms such as yellowing leaves or slow growth, stop fertilizing immediately.
The amount of fertilizer applied is a key part of caring for succulents. Mastering the appropriate fertilizing ratio and method helps promote healthy growth of succulents. During the fertilizing process, it is also necessary to observe the plant's response and adjust the fertilizing strategy in a timely manner. It is hoped that this article can provide useful references for your succulent plant care.