Cactus Care

Cactus plants are some of the hardiest, most resilient species making them low-maintenance and water-wise plants.

They can store water to keep the plant plump and succulent in dry climates.

But the spiny bulbous cacti need occasional fertilization which helps the plant replenish nutrients they used from the soil throughout the season.

Cactus need the right kind of fertilizer fed the right way and at the right time helps the plant thrive.

Fertilizing while in active growing stages to encourage healthy growth, bright color, and flowering in species that have the capability.

Fertilizer To Feed Cactus Plants

Cacti are not heavy feeders; hence, not requiring a lot of fertilizers. They tend to respond well when fertilizers are applied at a quarter or half strength.

Strong fertilizers, especially high-nitrogen blends, may cause problems and most cacti and succulents don’t need a specific blend.

They grow healthy and happy when fed with a highly diluted all-purpose fertilizer.

However, a low-nitrogen content, water-soluble fertilizer is best suited for the job.

Use a 5-10-10 blend or 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4th strength.

Combine this by alternating the 5-10-10 blend with a 1-7-6 cactus blend fertilizer.

This will maintain a consistent amount of nutrients in the cactus soil.

How To Fertilize A Cactus

One important thing to remember when fertilizing cacti or succulent plants is to use it sparingly when plants are growing.

Too much fertilizer fed too often may lead to poor root growth and slow development.

Many growers like use fish emulsion to fertilize succulents or use manure tea applications.

If you’re using a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer blend, dissolve a tablespoon of fertilizer in one gallon of water.

Use the mixture to water the cacti until the soil is moist.

Be careful about overwatering as it may have negative effects on the cactus or succulent.

Alternatively, feed cactus with a slow-release fertilizer or a 1-7-6 cactus blend.

Use one teaspoon of the 1-7-6 cactus food blend and mix it in one gallon of water.

Use this mix to water the cactus.

You use the liquid fertilizer mix in a watering can and store the rest in a sealed and labeled container.

Whenever you water cacti with the potting mix, allow it to sink in properly.

Pour slowly, letting the water get absorbed and the excess run out the pots’ drainage holes.

Check if the topsoil is dry before watering again.

When To Fertilize Cacti

The general rule of thumb of knowing when to feed cacti is just before the growing season or at the very beginning of the growing season.

This is usually between mid and late spring and summer for some species.

This is the time when most cactus species like the Christmas cactus wake up from dormancy.

They trigger new growth during this season as well.

For cacti and succulents that grow during the winter, fertilize in late fall.

Using succulent plant food once a year is sufficient when plants are actively growing.

If the potting soil mix used for terrariums and indoor succulents is poor, fertilize again in 2-3 months.

As for the timing, it’s not critical if you’re using an organic fertilizer.

The nutrients in the fertilizer, mix in the soil.

The cactus soaks up the nutrients over time, as they need them.

Some gardeners use cactus fertilizer when transplanting potted cacti as it produces good results. Important:

Be careful with cacti in the summer growing seasons if you’re using chemical fertilizers.

Do not feed the plants just before or when they are deep in dormancy during winter.

Also, applying too much fertilizer may cause more harm than good.

It may cause them to burn or even die.

A high amount of NPK and chemical fertilizers are too potent and overwhelm the plant.

Most gardening and cactus specialists will tell you to dilute fertilizers by half or 1/4th.

Start slow, add later on if you don’t see any results.