If there’s one thing succulents are good at, it’s minding their own business. These sculptural little plants thrive on neglect, forgive the occasional missed watering, and ask for very little in return. Which is exactly why fertilising them can feel… confusing. 

Surely something that low-maintenance doesn’t need feeding? Well – yes and no. The trick is knowing when to feed them, and more importantly, when to leave them alone. 

Less really is more

Succulents aren’t greedy growers. In their natural habitats, they survive in sandy, nutrient-poor soil, stretching every drop of goodness as far as it will go. So when we bring them indoors – onto sunny windowsills or styled shelves – they don’t suddenly develop a taste for weekly fertiliser cocktails. 

In fact, overfeeding is one of the quickest ways to ruin a perfectly happy plant. Think weak, leggy growth, burnt roots, or worse. 

The quiet perks of feeding

That said, a little fertiliser at the right time can make a noticeable difference. A gentle boost during the growing season helps support stronger roots, healthier leaves, and – if you’re lucky – the occasional bloom. 

Indoor succulents, especially, benefit from this top-up. Unlike their outdoor counterparts, they’re limited to the nutrients in their potting mix, which gets depleted over time. 

So, how often is often enough?

Not as often as you think. 

During spring and summer – when your succulents are actively growing – a monthly feed is more than enough. If you’re the cautious type (which your plants will appreciate), even every second month will do just fine. Come autumn and winter, it’s time to stop completely. Your plants naturally slow down or go dormant, and adding fertiliser during this period can do more harm than good. 

A simple rule: if your plant isn’t growing, it isn’t hungry. 

Pexels

Choosing the right fertiliser

There’s no need to overcomplicate things here. A balanced, general-purpose fertiliser works well for most succulents. If you’re caring for cacti, opt for something lower in nitrogen to keep growth compact and sturdy. 

Prefer a more natural route? Organic options like fish emulsion can work beautifully – just maybe keep those for outdoor use unless you’re fond of a slightly… oceanic aroma indoors.

A gentle approach is best

When it comes to application, dilution is your best friend. Succulents prefer their fertiliser weak and subtle, not strong and overwhelming. 

Mix your liquid fertiliser at half strength – or even quarter strength – and apply it to already damp soil. This helps prevent root burn and ensures nutrients are absorbed more evenly. 

If your fertiliser is designed for frequent use, scale it back. Feeding every second or third watering is more than enough. 

When not to fertilise

There are moments when fertiliser should stay firmly on the shelf: 

  • During winter dormancy  
  • Right after repotting (fresh soil already contains nutrients)  
  • When your plant is stressed, damaged, or recovering  
  • And if you’re ever unsure? Skip it. Succulents are far more forgiving of neglect than excess. 

Fertilising succulents isn’t about sticking to a strict schedule – it’s about reading the room (or rather, the plant). A light hand, good timing, and a bit of restraint will keep your collection thriving. 

Because with succulents, the real secret is this: the less you fuss, the better they look. 

 ALSO SEE: POPULAR HOUSEPLANTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE SUCCULENTS

Popular houseplants you didn’t know were succulents 

 Images: Pexels