You might be thinking, "Do succulents even need fertilizer?" While it's true that these hardy plants can survive in nutrient-poor soil, giving them a little extra love with organic fertilizer that can make a world of difference.
In this blog, we will share with you 07 easy peasy Organic fertilizers for succulent collections. It is right time to avoid the harsh chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers, and keeping your succulents au naturel!
Key Takeaways for Organic Succulent Fertilizer
- Organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients and do not contain harmful chemicals.
- Succulents can greatly benefit from organic fertilizers as: provide essential nutrients, improve soil quality, increased resistance to pests and diseases.
- Making DIY organic fertilizer for succulents is easy and cost-effective with home ingredients such as banana peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.
Why Use Organic Fertilizer for Succulents?
The benefits of using organic fertilizer for succulents include improved soil health, enhanced nutrient availability, and the promotion of natural growth processes. Organic fertilizers derived from natural sources such as compost, manure, or bone meal contribute to the overall soil structure by increasing its ability to retain moisture and nutrients.
This creates an ideal environment for microbial activity to thrive, further enhancing the nutrient cycling within the soil. The slow release of nutrients from organic fertilizers supports long-term root development, enabling succulents to establish strong and healthy root systems.
So, using organic fertilizers is actually benefits for your wallet and the environment. It's a win-win game changer that every succulent parents should try!
7 Easy DIY Organic Fertilizers for Succulents
Get ready to raid your kitchen because you've got a treasure trove of succulent fertilizer ingredients right under your nose! Here are seven super easy ways to DIY your organic fertilizer using household items that can give your succulents the nutrients they crave:
1. Compost/Compost Tea
Compost is an excellent source of slow-release nutrients for plants, including succulents. To use compost as an organic homemade succulent fertilizer, simply mix it into the soil around the base of the plant. The microbes and bacteria in the soil take it from there.
Another way to use compost is to make DIY liquid compost tea:
- Fill a large container with water.
- Add compost to a burlap sack or cheesecloth bag and tie it closed.
- Submerge the bag of compost in the water and let it steep for 24 to 48 hours.
- Stir the mixture occasionally to help release the nutrients from the compost into the water.
- Remove the bag of compost from the water and strain the liquid into a separate container.
The compost tea is now ready to use as a fertilizer for your succulents. Simply dilute the tea with water to the desired strength and use it to water the plants.
Pros:
- Improves soil structure
- Helps retain moisture (be careful not to overdo it!)
- Provides a slow-release source of rich nutrients to plants
Cons:
- Can make the soil too dense if used in excess, leading to poor drainage and root rot in succulents
- Must be used right away, so storing it for convenience isn't really an option
2. Eggshells
Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, which is important for strong cell walls and root development in plants. The best way to use eggshells as a DIY organic succulent fertilizer is to first remove the membrane inside the shell, then crush the shells into fine pieces and sprinkle them around the base of the succulent or mix them in with the soil.
Pros:
- Provides a natural source of calcium
- Supports strong cell walls and root development
- When properly prepared, eggshells can be stored for later use
Cons:
- Can raise the soil's pH if used in excess, making it too alkaline for succulents
3. Banana Peels/Banana Peel Water DIY Liquid Fertilizer
Banana peels are a rich source of potassium, which is important for plant growth and flowering. Use banana peels as a DIY organic homemade succulent fertilizer in two ways:
- Bury the peels in the soil near the roots of the succulent.
- Make a potassium-rich banana peel tea: chop up the peels and boil them in water. Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, use it to water your succulents.
Pros:
- Rich source of potassium
- Supports plant growth and flowering
Cons:
- Can raise the soil's potassium levels if used in excess, leading to poor growth and stunted development in succulents
- Attracts fruit flies if stored improperly, so it's best to use it right away
4. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen, essential for leafy growth and healthy green foliage in plants. Use coffee grounds as succulent fertilizer by sprinkling them on top of the soil or mixing them into the soil around the base of the succulent.
Pros:
- Rich source of nitrogen
- Supports leafy growth and healthy green foliage
Cons:
- Can lower the soil's pH if used in excess, making it too acidic for succulents
5. Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from processed fish remains, packed with nitrogen and other beneficial nutrients that succulents love. It's best to purchase fish emulsion from a trusted vendor as making it at home can be smelly and inconvenient. Dilute it with water according to the instructions on the label.
Pros:
- Rich in nitrogen and other essential nutrients
- Easy to use when purchased from a trusted vendor
- Provides a gentle slow-release fertilizer for succulents
Cons:
- Homemade fish emulsion can be smelly and inconvenient to produce
- Requires dilution before application to avoid over-fertilizing
6. Seaweed Extract
Seaweed extract is another fantastic DIY fertilizer option for succulents. Soak hydrated seaweed in a large container of water, stirring it once every few days. After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture and dilute the liquid seaweed extract with water at a ratio of about 1:10.
Pros:
- Manure-free fertilizer option
- Rich in essential nutrients for succulents
- Can be stored for later use
Cons:
- Can have a strong odor
- Requires access to fresh or dried seaweed
- Needs to be diluted before application
7. Bone Meal
Bone meal is a nutrient-rich fertilizer made from animal bones. To make it, boil the bones to sterilize them, dry them in the oven, and crush them into a fine powder. Sprinkle a small amount of the bone meal powder on the soil around your succulents once a year.
Pros:
- Excellent source of phosphorus and calcium for succulents
- Homemade bone meal is cost-effective
- Provides a slow-release fertilizer
Cons:
- Requires some preparation time and effort
- Can attract pets if not mixed into the soil properly
- Should be used sparingly as succulents don't need a lot of fertilizer
How to Fertilize Succulents Naturally
Now that you've got your homemade organic fertilizers ready, it's time to put them to use! Here are a few ways to naturally fertilize your succulents:
Direct Mix
This method involves removing your succulent from its pot and mixing the organic fertilizer directly into the soil. It's best to do this during repotting, which you can plan to coincide with the end of your composting cycle (usually around 6 months).
Top Dressing
If you don't want to disturb your succulent's roots, gently sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil surface around the plant. Over time, the nutrients will be absorbed into the soil and taken up by the roots.
Liquid Fertilizer
For a quick and easy application, dilute your homemade liquid fertilizers (like compost tea, banana peel water, or seaweed extract) with water and use the mixture to water your succulents during their regular watering schedule.
Precautions When Using DIY Organic Fertilizer
When using DIY organic fertilizer for succulents, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure the health of your plants and the safety of your gardening process.
What Are the Safety Measures?
Safety measures when using DIY organic fertilizer include wearing gloves during handling and ensuring proper storage to avoid contamination. Regular handwashing should be practiced after any contact with the fertilizer to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
Common mistakes to avoid when using DIY organic fertilizer for succulents include over-fertilizing, using inappropriate ingredients, and improper application methods. Over-fertilizing can harm delicate succulents by causing root burns and nutrient imbalances.
The Bottom Line
Creating your own organic succulent fertilizer is a fun, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. By experimenting with ingredients like eggshells, banana peels, coffee grounds, and fish emulsion, you'll discover what works best for your succulents and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you're providing them with the best possible care.
Just remember to use these fertilizers in moderation and keep an eye out for any signs of over-fertilization. With a little love and care, your succulents will be thriving healthily, just like in the Happy Succulent Care.