How to Fertilize a Cactus

Fertilizing cacti enhances blooms and growth.

Cactus plants are members of the succulent family, which means they store large amounts of water in their inner flesh. They are characterized by sharp, prickly needles on their outer skins and come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Since water is the most important need for cacti, they do not require many soil nutrients. However, applying a fertilizer occasionally will benefit the plant and enhance the blooms.

Things You'll Need

• 1-gallon jug
• Liquid cactus fertilizer
• 5-10-5 low-nitrogen, time-release fertilizer (optional)
• 0-10-10 liquid fertilizer (optional)

Instructions

1. Fertilize cactus in late spring or early summer when the plant begins to grow taller, sprout new sections or develop flowers. The exact timing will vary based on region and species.

2. Fill a clean 1-gallon jug with lukewarm water. Add in 1/2 tbsp. of a liquid cactus fertilizer to the jug and screw the cap on it. Shake it up to mix the solution.

3. Pour the amount of fertilizer into the soil as specified by the product label, typically 1 to 2 cups for potted cacti and more for ground-planted ones.

4. Reapply the fertilizer every two weeks through the beginning of November and again in March.

Tips & Warnings

• When planting new cactus or re-potting an old one, mix a 5-10-5 low-nitrogen, time-release fertilizer into the soil, using the amount listed on the package. The fertilizer will supply nutrients for the entire growing season.

• For a Christmas Cactus that blooms in winter, apply a 0-10-10 liquid fertilizer to the soil in late October and again in February.

References

• Cactus Info: Fertilize
• Ed Hume Seeds: Care of Christmas Cactus
• Cactus Info: General About Cacti