Should I fertilize my cactus and how often?

Proper timing and dilution are crucial when fertilizing succulent plants and cacti to prevent damaging their sensitive roots. Succulents and cacti require significantly less nutrition compared to other houseplants, which I learned the hard way after applying full-strength fertilizer to my golden barrel cactus and burning it. Use fertilizer only during periods of active growth, using products specifically designed for cacti.

Correct use stops salt buildup in soil. Water the soil heavily first, then fertilize by pouring the diluted solution directly onto the soil, not on or around the stems, every third watering, flush with clear water to remove excess salts. My plants have better color without a crust of fertilizer on their soil surface.

Quickly identify symptoms of over-fertilization. A white crust on the soil indicates that salts have accumulated. Brown tips on roots indicate chemical burn. Stunted growth may indicate a nutrient imbalance in your plants. Flush the soil of affected plants immediately with distilled water. Possibly repot severely affected plants into a fresh, gritty mix.

Organic options will result in safer nutrition, worm castings will release nutrients slowly, and fish emulsion diluted 1:4 can be sprayed in the spring, and compost tea will add micronutrients without the risk of salts. All of these options keep my sensitive species healthy without the stress of chemicals.

Read the full article: 7 Essential Tips: How to Care for Cactus