Cactus species thrive primarily in regions characterized by nutrient diaspora. This does not mean that the flower beauties with the thorny dress can do without fertilizer. Read here when and how to fertilize a cactus in a balanced way.
How should you properly fertilize cacti?
For optimal fertilization of cacti, a special liquid fertilizer suitable for cacti should be used that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a balanced ratio. Cacti should be fertilized during the growth phase from May to September and then put into a winter rest phase.
Tips for the right cactus fertilizer
Cacti colonize deserts, steppes and similar regions where nutrients are in short supply. Cultivated in a pot with a limited substrate volume, the survivalists are still dependent on the supplementary supply of the main nutrients. The composition of conventional flower fertilizers is not suitable for the needs. The nitrogen content it contains is so high that it causes fattening, misshapen and unhe althy growth.
The ideal cactus fertilizer combines nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a balanced ratio. Special liquid fertilizers are available from specialist retailers that are tailored to the special requirements of cacti. We looked around and put together the following 3 most popular products for you:
- Compo cactus fertilizer (NPK 5+5+7 as well as boron, iron, manganese)
- Neudorff Trissol cactus fertilizer (NPK 3+1+5 as well as trace nutrients and vitamins)
- Uhlig cactus fertilizer (NPK 1, 5+2, 3+5) also as a set with supplementary fertilizer
How to fertilize cacti appropriately
The nutrient supply is ideally adapted to the specific vegetation cycle of cacti. After a summer growth phase, the desert dwellers take a winter break. How to do it right:
- Add a liquid cactus fertilizer to the irrigation water from May to September
- Moisten the dried substrate before and after with clear, lime-free water
- Do not fertilize cacti in direct sunlight
Please adjust the dosage exactly to the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions. As a rule, it is sufficient to add 1 gram of liquid fertilizer to 1 liter of irrigation water. If you would like to start this year's nutrient supply as precisely as possible, choose a date 4 to 6 weeks after you have finished the winter break with the first watering.
Tip
If you repotted your cactus in spring, the fresh soil has sufficient nutrient reserves. Only when these have been used up after about 6 weeks does the normal fertilization rhythm begin again.