Feeding Your Aussie Succulents: A Guide to Fertilising for Healthy Growth

Australia's diverse climate provides a wonderful environment for growing a wide array of succulents. These resilient plants are often praised for their low-maintenance nature, but like all living things, they benefit from the right nutrients at the right time. While they aren't heavy feeders, understanding when and how to fertilise your succulents can significantly boost their health, vibrancy, and even flowering potential.

Think of fertiliser as a supplement, not a primary food source for your succulents. Their main needs are sunlight, the right amount of water, and well-draining soil. However, over time, the nutrients in their potting mix can become depleted, especially for plants that have been in the same container for a while. This is where a little extra nourishment can make a big difference.

Caring for succulents: Fertilizer application and watering techniques for healthy growth.

When to Consider Fertilising:

The active growing seasons in Australia – typically spring and early autumn – are the best times to consider feeding your succulents. This is when they are actively putting out new growth and can best utilise the added nutrients.

• Spring Awakening: As the weather warms up after winter, succulents emerge from their dormancy and begin to grow more actively. A gentle feed in spring can provide the building blocks for healthy new foliage.

• Autumn Boost: Before the cooler months set in and growth slows down, a light fertilisation in early autumn can help strengthen the plant and prepare it for its less active period.

When to Hold Off on Fertilising:

It's crucial to avoid fertilising your succulents during certain times:

• Winter Dormancy: Most succulents enter a period of slower growth or dormancy during the cooler, shorter days of winter. Fertilising at this time can disrupt their natural cycle and potentially lead to weak, leggy growth or even root burn.

• Summer Heat Stress: During the peak of summer, especially in hotter regions of Australia, succulents can experience stress. Fertilising during this time can exacerbate stress and potentially damage the plant.

• Recently Repotted: Fresh potting mix usually contains sufficient nutrients for several months. Fertilising immediately after repotting is generally unnecessary and can be harmful.

• Stressed or Unhealthy Plants: If your succulent is already showing signs of stress, such as wilting, discoloration, or pest infestation, hold off on fertilising until the underlying issue is addressed. Adding fertilizer to a sick plant can often make the problem worse.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer:

When it comes to feeding your succulents, less is often more. They are not heavy feeders, and using a fertilizer that is too strong can easily lead to fertilizer burn, damaging the roots and leaves.​​

There are also fertilisers specifically formulated for succulents and cacti available on the market, which can be a good option. Using succulent-specific fertiliser is a simple way to give your plants the right kind of food. These fertilisers have less of the stuff that makes leafy growth (nitrogen) and more of what helps roots and overall health (phosphorus and potassium), which is perfect for succulents. Just use them sparingly and follow the instructions to help your succulents grow strong and vibrant without overfeeding them.

• Balanced Liquid Fertiliser: For healthy succulents and cacti, using a balanced liquid fertiliser (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) means providing equal amounts of the main nutrients. It's best to use it sparingly and always dilute it significantly (at least half or even a quarter strength). Only fertilise during their active growing seasons, and never when they're dormant, stressed, or recently repotted. This gentle approach helps provide essential nutrients without risking damage to these sensitive plants. Water your plants a day before fertilising and then apply the diluted solution to the soil, avoiding the leaves. Less is definitely more to prevent root burn and encourage steady growth.

Peter's Professional is a fantastic all-rounder used in the industry and will give your succas a quick boost and provide a balanced blend of essential nutrients in an easily absorbed liquid form, promoting healthy growth and vibrant colours.

​​​​​Granular fertilisers : Granular fertiliser for succulents and cacti should be used very sparingly, typically only in spring and early autumn. Choose a low-strength or succulent-specific formula and sprinkle just a tiny amount on the soil surface, avoiding direct contact with the plant's base. Always water thoroughly after applying to help release the nutrients slowly and dilute them. Overdoing it with granular fertiliser is easy and can harm these sensitive plants, so less is definitely more.

Scotts Osmocote Cacti and Succulent Controlled Release Fertiliser is a top choice because it provides a balanced blend of essential nutrients released gradually, perfectly catering to the specific, slow-feeding needs of succulents and cacti for sustained health and growth without the risk of over-fertilisation. 

• DIY Worm Tea: Worm tea offers a gentle & natural way to fertilise succulents & cacti. This nutrient-rich liquid, derived from worm castings, provides a balanced array of micronutrients & beneficial microbes that can enhance soil health and plant vitality. When diluted significantly, worm tea can be applied sparingly during the active growing season to provide a mild boost without the risk of burning the sensitive roots of these arid-adapted plants. Its organic nature also supports a healthy soil ecosystem, contributing to the overall well-being of your succulents & cacti.

​​​​​​How to Fertilise Your Succulents:

The application method is just as important as the type of fertiliser you choose:

1. Water First: Always water your succulents thoroughly a day or two before you plan to fertilise. This helps to moisten the soil and prevents the concentrated fertiliser from directly contacting dry roots, which can cause damage.

2. Apply Diluted Solution: Mix your chosen fertiliser with water according to the diluted instructions.

3. Water the Soil: Gently pour the diluted fertiliser solution directly onto the soil around the base of the plant until it starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. Avoid getting the fertiliser directly on the leaves, as this can sometimes cause spotting.

4. Frequency: Fertilise sparingly, typically only once or twice during each active growing season (spring and early autumn).

Observing Your Plants:

Pay close attention to your succulents after fertilising. If you notice any signs of stress, such as leaf burn (brown or crispy edges), wilting, or a sudden change in colour, you may have used too much fertiliser or the solution was too concentrated. If this happens, flush the soil with plain water several times to remove excess salts.

By understanding the growth cycles of your succulents in the Australian climate and applying fertiliser thoughtfully and sparingly during their active growing seasons, you can help them thrive and showcase their unique beauty for years to come. Remember, healthy soil, adequate sunlight, and proper watering are the cornerstones of succulent care, with fertilising acting as a helpful boost when needed.