As a gardening and landscaping expert , I have take on numerous houseplants that do n’t prosper with veritable dressing . One such group of plants is succulents and cacti . These works , with their unique characteristic and adaptation to arid environments , have dissimilar nutritionary needs compared to other houseplants .
Succulents and cacti have evolved to survive in harsh conditions where nutrients are often scarce . They have develop specialised tissue paper to stack away water , such as their blockheaded leaves , stems , or stem . These water - storing tissues grant them to resist drought and periods of alimental want . Therefore , over - fertilizing these plant can be detrimental to their wellness .
One specific nutrient that succulents and cacti do not tolerate in excess is N . Nitrogen is an essential chemical element for plant development as it plays a lively use in leafage and stem development . However , too much nitrogen can moderate to undue vegetive growth , weak stems , and an overall unhealthy show in succulents and cacti .
When succulents and cacti receive an excess of atomic number 7 - base plant food , they may exhibit foretoken of overgrowth , such as stretch and weak bow . The plants may become top - heavy and prostrate to tip over , which can cause harm to their touchy social organisation . Additionally , excessive nitrogen can cut off the natural balance of these plants , making them more susceptible to disease and pests .
To avoid these issuing , it is indispensable to read the specific needs of succulents and cacti when it come to fertilisation . These plant generally require a low - atomic number 7 or even a nitrogen - free plant food . Instead , they benefit from a balanced or specialised fertilizer give voice specifically for succulents and cacti . These fertilizers often have high levels of Lucifer and potassium , which promote tooth root growing , flowering , and overall plant wellness .
In my own experience , I have find that succulents and cacti thrive with minimal impregnation . I typically fertilize my succulents and cacti only once or twice a year , commonly during their dynamic growing season in spring and summertime . I thin out the fertilizer to half or even a quarter of the recommend strength to ensure I ’m not overfeeding the plants .
It ’s important to note that different succulent and cactus species may have more or less dissimilar nutritionary requirement . Some may tolerate a bit more nitrogen , while others may be even more sensitive . Therefore , it ’s always advisable to research the specific pauperization of the plants you have and adjust your fertilization practices accordingly .
succulent and cacti are houseplants that do n’t prize frequent fertilization , particularly with atomic number 7 - based fertiliser . These plants have unique adaptation to survive in nourishing - poor surroundings and can be negatively affect by unreasonable nitrogen . To control their health and length of service , it ’s best to use specialized fertilizer with low nitrogen cognitive content and to fertilize meagrely , following the specific needs of each works species .
Caroline Bates
