It goes without saying that succulents are a great choice for decorating your home, office, or balcony.
There is a common misconception that succulents don’t require fertilizer.
However, just like other plants, they’ll benefit from regular fertilizing with a proper product.
Moreover, succulents require essential nutrients to grow beautifully and remain healthy.
That’s why you need to be very careful when choosing the right fertilizer, because if you purchase one that is too strong, your plants can be damaged.
What’s more, using the right fertilizer can significantly improve the health of your succulents.
To make your life easier and avoid struggling with the numerous options available on the market, we’ve compiled a list of the best fertilizers for succulents sold on Amazon.
Read below to get all the info you need.
Top Pick
Our top pick is the Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food, available in a 2-pack.
The manufacturer is one of the most loved gardening brands among customers, and you can be certain you’re getting your money’s worth.
This product offers instant results, works well with different types of succulents, and will last you for at least a month.
Budget Pick
If you need a succulent fertilizer at an affordable price, then the Succulent Fertilizer by Perfect Plants is the right choice.
The fertilizer pellets can be applied directly to the soil, and you only need to add water.
Plus, if you use the entire package for a single plant, it can last you for up to 5 years.
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Why Do Succulents Need Fertilizer?
When thinking about the natural environment of the cacti, i.e., the desert, you might come to the conclusion that these plants don’t need fertilizers and can grow without additional help.
This misconception arises from the fact that they naturally grow in a desert environment.
Although succulents can grow in harsh conditions, the fertilizers will help them grow faster, stronger, and with brighter colors.
When Should I Fertilize Succulents?
It’s important to remember that in the process of fertilizing succulents, you need to be careful not to use the product too much and too often.
Because of their durable nature, succulents don’t require too much fertilizer, and you need to be smart about the application schedule.
During fall and spring, succulents go through a dormant season, and it’s not recommended to add fertilizer during this period in order to follow the plant’s natural growth.
Having this in mind, you can continue adding fertilizer during winter in order to encourage growth. Always make sure your plants receive enough light and water for healthy growth.
Fertilizer alone is not enough.
How Often Should I Use Fertilizer?
The schedule for adding fertilizer depends on a few things, including the type of fertilizer you use and, of course, the plant’s needs.
It’s essential to conduct research to determine the growth pattern of the plant before applying fertilizer.
Moreover, never forget to refer to the instructions manual, which is included on the fertilizer packaging itself.
There are different types of formulas, and they can either have a slow-release property or they can spread nutrients immediately.
For example, if you decide to use a slow-release fertilizer, it’s enough to add a dose once at the beginning of spring and thus prepare the soil for the upcoming spring and summer period.
If you’re not seeing the expected growth, then you can add one more dose at the beginning of summer, so the plant might need an extra push to thrive.
On the other hand, there are plants that can handle a monthly fertilizer dose. However, you must be certain to purchase the right formula.
Most of the fertilizers we presented are mild and won’t burn your plants, but they won’t do any harm if you’re extra careful.
As we pointed out earlier, it’s essential to do your research when it comes to plant growth and using fertilizers.
You have to know both your plant and product for optimal growth.
What Types of Fertilizers Are There?
Slow-release Formulas
- Pellets
If you’re set on using a slow-release fertilizer, consider purchasing one that comes in pellet form.
These are small, round balls, coated with a special ingredient that allows the nutrients to be released slowly in the soil.
The application of this fertilizer is straightforward, requiring only the addition of the fertilizer to the soil and then watering it.
For new plants, you can add fertilizer around the soil, and with older plants, you can add it to the top inch of the soil.
Either way, make sure you follow the instructions that come with the packaging in order to get the best results.
- Capsules
Capsules are also slow-release fertilizers and are easy to apply. You can push the capsule into the ground, near the plant base, and then add water.
Optionally, you can open up the capsule and spread the contents in the soil.
Fast Formulas
- Sprays
If you decide to use a fast-acting fertilizer, consider purchasing a spray bottle of the product.
This is one of the easiest ways to apply fertilizer, as you can control where you add it.
You can either spray the solution directly onto the topsoil or around the roots.
Additionally, they can come in pumps that work in the same way, except they use a pump to disperse the fertilizer directly to the soil.
- Concentrated liquids
As the name of the product implies, you have to mix a certain amount of fertilizer with water and then apply it.
This is a widely used option, as it allows you to control the amount of product you use, ensuring you always provide your plants with optimal feeding.
Concentrated liquid fertilizers can be used every few weeks, and since they’re mild, you don’t have to worry about your plants being damaged.
Fertilizer for Succulent Plants Review
1. Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food, 2 Pack
Highlighted Features
- Instant results
- For all types of succulents
- Instant feeding
- 2-pack deal
The Miracle-Gro fertilizer for succulents works well and will last you for at least a month or more.
It’s practical and you can either mix it with water or use it to spray the soil directly, and then add water.
When applying directly, you have to be careful not to spray the plants since direct contact with any fertilizer might damage them.
The fertilizer formula is specifically designed for all types of cacti, jade, aloe, and other succulents, with a recommended application every 2 weeks.
What’s more, the spray bottle pump is easy to use, and you’ll notice significant growth immediately.
The product contains all the essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphate, and soluble potash.
2. EarthPods Premium Cactus & Succulent food
Highlighted Features
- Premium organic fertilizer
- Fast & easy application
- Proprietary formula
- Eco-friendly & compact
- 100 EarthPods
The Earthpods food is a premium organic fertilizer that stimulates robust stem development, root growth, and vibrant plant color.
It can be used with different plants such as cacti, succulents, aloe vera, and other arid or desert plants.
With the help of the practical concentrated pods, you’ll be able to work with no mess, smell, or boring dosage calculation.
The packaging guarantees fast and easy application.
All you need to do is push a pod into the potting soil mix, near the center of the plant, or spread the contents of the capsule and add water.
Thanks to the slow-release feature, your plants will be getting nutrients for a prolonged period of time.
Furthermore, the proprietary formula contains a variety of organic nutrients, including trace minerals, hormones for natural growth, humic and fulvic acids, and soil microbes, which promote healthy plant growth.
The packaging is eco-friendly and compact, so you can store it away on your kitchen shelf when not using it.
3. Jobe’s Succulent Fertilizer Spikes
Highlighted Features
- Easy to insert
- Ideal for succulents
- People & pet friendly
- OMRI registered
The fertilizer spikes by Jobe are a natural formula that has all the needed nutrients to provide balanced nutrition, so you can be certain your succulents will get the care they need.
Moreover, the spikes are easy to insert, and they’re specially made for all types of succulents and cacti.
The slow-release formula is designed to last up to a year, and the product is confirmed to be both people- and pet-friendly.
Additionally, the spikes don’t have a strong odor, and they feed the succulents directly at the roots, promoting strong and healthy plants.
4. Cute Farms Gentle Formula Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Gentle formula
- Spray bottle included
- 8 oz. packaging
- Ideal for succulents
The Cute Farms succulent fertilizer is specifically designed for plants such as aloe, cacti, and succulents.
Further, the application of the product is practical and easy. All you need to do is use the pump applicator and add 1-2 pumps to the base of the plant.
What’s more, the 8-oz. package can be used to feed one succulent plant for up to a year.
To achieve the best results, apply it once a month or before normal watering, allowing the roots to absorb it easily.
Since the package includes an extra spray bottle, you can use it for watering.
If you have a personal succulent garden and want to provide your plants with great care, we’d recommend that you purchase this product in bulk.
5. Grow More Cactus Juice
Highlighted Features
- 16 oz. cactus juice liquid
- Healthy hormones & nutrients
- Easy application
- Suitable for all succulents
According to gardeners, this is an outstanding product composed of a great healthy mix of hormones and calcium, which improves the overall health of your succulents.
As the name implies, this product is made specifically for cactus plants, but it works with other succulents as well.
Its application is remarkably simple, requiring only one teaspoon of fertilizer to be dissolved in a gallon of water. This solution can then be used to drench the soil at the base of the plant.
Further, the manufacturer recommends application every two weeks during the growing season.
If needed, you can continue the watering in between feedings.
Depending on the number of plants you own, this 16-oz bottle will last for a while, and you can always purchase more in bulk, available in packs of two, three, four, or five.
The product has a shelf life of one year, so be careful with the number of bottles you order.
6. Espoma Organic Cactus Plant Food
Highlighted Features
- Available in an 8-oz bottle
- Ideal for all succulents
- Contains good nutrients
- Long-lasting product
This Espoma formula contains all of the necessary nutrients that succulents need to thrive.
Additionally, the soil will receive useful microbes and provide continuous nourishment to the plants.
Although the fertilizer is specially created for succulents, the formula can be used with different plants as well.
The dosing cap makes the application easy and simple, plus you don’t need to worry about making a mess or applying the wrong dosage.
The ideal period to apply fertilizer is every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your succulents’ watering schedule.
You’ll be able to use the 8-oz. formula for up to one season, depending on how many succulents you own.
7. Succulent Fertilizer by Aquatic Arts
Highlighted Features
- Encourages plant bloom
- Long-lasting
- 3-1-2 NPK ratio
- Ideal for succulents
To keep your succulent plants vibrant and healthy, use the best products that promote optimal growth.
The Aquatic Arts fertilizer has an ideal 3-2-1 NPK ratio, which makes it a primary choice for the upkeep of your precious plants.
Besides water and light, your succulents will appreciate the nutritional value of this fertilizer.
The 8-oz. bottle will last you between 6 months and 1 year, which increases the product’s value even more.
Additionally, nitrogen helps promote the growth of new leaves, phosphorus promotes root health, and potassium encourages large and healthy growth.
Your succulent garden will look vibrant and colorful with the help of this versatile fertilizer.
You can use it with cacti, sempervivum, echeveria, aeonium, aloe, crassula, and other plants.
8. Perfect Plants Succulent Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Slow-release pellets
- 13-11-11 NPK
- Increases petal size
- 5-year supply
- Easy application
The low-rate, slow-release pellets by Perfect Plants are a great fertilizer that distributes nutrients to the soil over a period of 6 months.
You’ll need to apply the product just once in order to enhance your soil or peat moss and thus provide the best treatment for your succulent plants.
With the 13-11-11 ratio, this formula is perfectly balanced for sensitive plants such as aloe and different cactus plants.
Furthermore, the product can increase the petal size and enhance the color saturation of both succulents and cacti.
The pellets are easy to apply. All you need to do is distribute them evenly in the soil while potting or add them to the top layer of soil for already potted and grown plants.
Don’t forget to add plenty of water after the first application.
9. Blue Moon Bell Liquid Succulent Fertilizer
Highlighted Features
- Versatile use
- Maintains natural beauty
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Eco-friendly
- Beneficial microbes
Grow your beautiful succulent garden with the help of this amazing liquid succulent fertilizer and enjoy its beauty after a long day at work.
This product is suitable for aloe vera, succulents, and cacti.
It’s made from all-natural worm tea made in Washington, USA, and according to satisfied customers, it’s a real superfood.
It contains all the valuable microbes necessary for growth improvement.
Furthermore, the fertilizer helps maintain the natural beauty of the succulents, and it can be used for both indoor and outdoor plants, pots, or terrariums.
Lastly, the product doesn’t use any artificial ingredients, is eco-friendly, and won’t harm your plants or the environment.
10. Succulent Plant Food by Easy Peasy Plants
Highlighted Features
- Lasts longer
- No burn & damage
- Easy directions
- Suitable for all succulents & cacti
When compared to other competitor products, this plant food lasts twice as long, and it’s specially formulated for all types of succulents.
To create a thriving succulent garden, ensure your plants receive the three bare essentials: light, water, and nutrients.
This is why it’s important to place them in a room where they’ll receive an optimal amount of sunlight and to water them periodically and avoid overwatering.
When it comes to food, this fertilizer will help your plant grow strong and healthy. It’s formulated with a 6-5-4 NPK ratio, which is both strong and gentle, providing the plants with good nutrients.
Final Thoughts
As we discussed earlier, there’s a misconception that succulents don’t need to be fertilized because they are strong and hard plants that survive in the desert in conditions that are far from ideal.
Although this might be true to some extent, it’s important to know that by using the right fertilizer, you’ll be giving your succulents a chance to grow faster, colorful, and stronger.
If you’re not certain which fertilizer is the right one for your plants, we’d recommend our top pick, the Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food.
It comes in 2 packs and provides instant results. Customers love this product, so you can be confident that you’re making the right purchase.
However, if you have a lower budget, you’ll be happy with the slow-release formula from Perfect Plants.
For a single plant, the packaging can last you for up to 5 years, plus it works well with different types of succulents.
The products we reviewed are the 10 best fertilizers for succulents, guaranteeing good quality and visible results.
Happy Gardening!