Ever wonder if your succulents could grow healthy and all colorful, without any outside intervention from you? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Because even though succulents are low-maintenance plants, they need proper care and protection. And one way to get your succulents growing right is through their soil and fertilizers.
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If you are a succulent parent, then you would have
already found that normal soil is not enough, they need nutrient-rich soil and
a boost of fertilizers to keep your succulents looking fresh, healthy, and
vibrant for a long time.
With so many fertilizers available in today’s market,
the question arises, which one is best and where can I procure it?
The best fertilizers are said to be found within
Mother Nature. They are not only rich in minerals and nutrients but free
from chemicals. But once in a while, your succulents may need a booster shot of
certain non-organic fertilizers to propel their growth.
Here
are some of the 6 best fertilizers for succulents:
Finding the best succulent fertilizer can be a challenge with so many options in today’s market. If you are going through the same dilemma, look no further. The below-mentioned fertilizers can help you in choosing the most beneficial care as well as their drawbacks for your succulents.
1. Cow dung manure:
This is a popular organic fertilizer for not only
succulents but all plants in general. The cow dung manure is derived from the
dung of cows, sheep, chickens, and other domesticated animals. They contain
natural components of nutrients and minerals that make them a powerful fertilizer
for succulents.
This manure is applied to the top-soil of succulents
that helps nutrients reach the roots directly. This is done because they
contain high carbon content, when released it aids in easy nutrient absorption.
They can be easily procured through animal farms or
through fertilizer stores, which are available in the form of powder or
pellets.
The disadvantage of using cow dung manure:
The drawback of this fertilizer is that it is best
suitable for outdoor succulents. They release a pungent smell that attracts
various flies and insects to your succulents.
If you are looking for an all-organic fertilizer, you should definitely try out the cow dung manure for your succulents.
2. Epsom salt:
Epsom salt is generally used as a liquid fertilizer
for succulents. This fertilizer is made up of oxygen, sulfur, and magnesium.
They are all the necessary nutrients needed for succulent growth.
This fertilizer can be easily used for your indoor as
well as outdoor plants. As the fertilizer is in liquid form, it can be
effortlessly administered to the succulents.
Epsom salt fertilizers when applied to succulents are
known to have a faster intake of nutrients directly to the soil compared to other
fertilizers.
The fertilizer can be sprayed or directly infused
through the soil, in the ratio of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. They can
be used on succulents once a month for increased growth. It can be procured
through fertilizer shops or through various online retail shops easily.
The disadvantage of using Epsom salt fertilizer:
Even though the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt can
increase better growth, the excess can cause severe damage to the succulents.
Problems like soil contamination and leaf scorching arise due to excess use of
Epsom salt fertilizer.
Succulent parents, who are looking for low-maintenance fertilizers, which can be used once a month, can opt for Epsom salt fertilizer.
3. Vermicompost:
Vermicompost or worm composting is a homemade
fertilizer for succulents, made up of kitchen wastes, dry leaves, and even sugar
cane husks. This composting method is being followed for many ages and is
known to provide top-notch nutrient content to the soil.
This fertilizer can be easily made at home with the
use of your own kitchen wastes and other organic matters. All you need is an
air-tight container with a drainage hole in the bottom, your regular kitchen
wastes, dry leaves and twigs found in the garden, and a quiet shaded corner in
your backyard. And after few months, you can have your own homemade natural
fertilizer for your succulents.
Vermicompost can be applied to the topsoil of your succulents as fertilizer. It is the best fertilizer when repotting or
introducing new succulents to their respective pots.
The vermicompost soil is loaded with rich nutrients
with microorganisms like earthworms or red wigglers. They act as good bacteria
to the soil and provide ample nutrients and minerals. The microorganisms
present in the soil, it also provides soil aeration and drainage.
The disadvantage of using vermicompost:
The drawback of this fertilizer is that it is high
maintenance. Regular upkeep and observation are required to get that perfect
decomposed soil fertilizer.
Vermicompost, like cow dung manure, releases odor,
which may not be suitable for indoor succulents. They also take a very long time
to decompose and microorganisms to cultivate.
If you are looking for a non – toxic, organic, and less costly fertilizer, then vermicompost is the best fertilizer for succulents.
4. Leaf compost:
This fertilizer for succulents is an environment-friendly fertilizer, made up of decomposed leaves. This type of fertilizer is
proved to be effective and cost-efficient for your succulents.
Leaf compost is sometimes used as a substitute for
normal soil. They contain naturally decomposed minerals and nutrients that are
not only rich with nutrients but safe to use.
This homemade fertilizer for succulents can be made
by, collecting leaves and placing them in a compost bin. The leaves can be
chopped into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
Kitchen wastes can also be added if you are looking
for a strong fertilizer. This compost bin is to be kept in a shaded area with
regular water spray on them, to keep them moist and ready the leaves for
decomposition and ultimately turn them into fertilizer.
Leaf compost works to loosen soil and give the
succulent’s good aeration. They also help in eliminating weeds.
The disadvantage of using leaf compost fertilizer:
Like all homemade fertilizers, they need constant
observation and upkeep, to give you the right level of fertilizer. A period of
4-9 months is needed to turn your leaves compost into fertilizer.
If you are looking for going all-natural on your succulents, you should try out this eco–friendly method of leaf compost.
5. Tea compost:
Tea compost is another liquid fertilizer for
succulents. They can also be used as dry decomposed tea powder manure for your
plants. This is an ideal method for environmental sustainability and homemade
fertilizer.
This fertilizer improves soil content, with is various
natural properties found in tea powder. It contains potassium, phosphorus, and small
amounts of nitrogen. This combination of micronutrients helps succulent and
good bacterial growth.
Tea compost can be made by soaking used tea powder in
water for a period of 24-36 hours, once the water turns dark brown and it has
absorbed all the nutrients, it can be poured into a spray bottle and fed to the
succulents.
It also helps in growing well-developed roots, steams
and keeps the succulents looking healthy.
The disadvantage of using tea compost fertilizer:
The drawback of this fertilizer is, too much
decomposition of tea powder, can do more harm than good.
If you are a tea lover and have excess leftover tea powder or leaves, you can use them as part of your compost and turn them into effective fertilizers for your succulents.
6. Banana
peel fertilizer:
You would have seen in many traditional households having chipped banana peel in their pots. This traditional method of using
banana peel as fertilizers is being followed for many ages.
This natural method is easy to use and decomposes on
its own without any outside intervention. Banana peel contains rich potassium
content which increases succulent growth and helps them retain their glossy
shine and maintains texture to the leaves.
Banana peel is another example of homemade fertilizer.
They can be made easily by adding the peels in a jar or container, filled with
water. All you need to do is let it sit for 48 hours to a week. The water
absorbs all the nutrients, which can be later sprayed on the succulents.
Another efficient method to use banana peel as fertilizer for your succulents is by cutting them into small pieces and directly adding them to the soil. Over time the banana peel and soil get decomposed and in turn, gives you rich fertilizer.
The disadvantage of using banana peel fertilizer:
The drawback of this fertilizer is that, due to its
organic matter, it can attract flies and insects. This may be a problem for the
succulents as well as for the soil.
For succulent parents, who do not want any complicated homemade method of fertilizer for their succulents, can opt this method easily.
Succulents when treated right, can give you vibrant and
healthy growth throughout the seasons. Therefore to protect and care for this
extraordinary species of plants, an extra booster dose of fertilizers is
necessary.
Fertilizers made through homemade techniques are even
better, as they are environmental friendly and there’s no worry about chemicals
leaking into your soil in the future. Thus, choosing your fertilizers is as
important as choosing the right soil content for your succulents.
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