Beginners Guide: How to Use Liquid Fertilizer for Succulents in Pots

Last year, my collection of 10 potted succulents was looking sad—dull colors, no growth, you name it. I started using a diluted 2-7-7 liquid fertilizer every six weeks from April to August. By fall, my plants were thriving! 

My zebra plant grew new offsets, and my burro’s tail looked fuller than ever. It felt like a small victory every time I saw a new leaf pop up. But here’s the thing—I learned the hard way that even these tough little plants need a nutrient boost to thrive in pots. 

Liquid fertilizer can be a game-changer for your succulents, but you’ve got to use it right. In this guide, I’ll share my tips on how to use liquid fertilizer to keep your potted succulents vibrant and healthy.

Why Succulents in Pots Need Liquid Fertilizer

Potting soil, especially the fast-draining mixes we use, can run out of nutrients fast. That’s where liquid fertilizer comes in. It’s an easy way to give your plants the food they crave without overdoing it.

Liquid fertilizers are great because they’re easy to apply and absorb quickly. They deliver nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) directly to the roots. For succulents, which are sensitive to overfeeding, liquid fertilizers let you control the dose precisely. 

Choosing the Right Liquid Fertilizer for Succulents

Not all fertilizers are created equal. I made the mistake of using a generic plant food on my succulents once. Let’s just say my poor aloe didn’t thank me. Succulents need a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content to avoid leggy growth. 

Look for a liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 2-7-7 or 5-10-10. These ratios promote healthy roots and blooms without pushing excessive leaf growth. I prefer brands like Grow More 20-20-20 (diluted heavily) or Schultz Cactus Plus 2-7-7. 

Organic options, like fish emulsion or seaweed extract, work too, but they can smell a bit funky. This is something to consider if your succulents live on your kitchen counter! Always check the label for “cactus and succulent” recommendations. 

Pro tip: Buy from local garden centers or online retailers like Amazon for convenience, especially if you’re in a smaller U.S. town.

When to Fertilize Your Potted Succulents

Timing is everything. I learned this after fertilizing my string of pearls in winter and ending up with soggy, sad beads. Succulents typically grow actively from spring to early fall (March to September in most U.S. climates). This is when they’re hungry for nutrients. 

In winter, most succulents go dormant, especially in colder states like Minnesota or New York. This is not the right time to fertilize. I fertilize my succulents every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. 

If you’re in a warm climate, like Arizona or Southern California, where succulents might grow year-round, you can fertilize lightly every 6-8 weeks in winter. Just watch your plants—if they’re not growing, they don’t need food.

How to Apply Liquid Fertilizer to Succulents in Pots

Here’s where I get nerdy about my succulents. Applying liquid fertilizer isn’t rocket science, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. Follow these to keep your plants happy:

1. Dilute, dilute, dilute!

Succulents are sensitive to strong fertilizers. I always dilute my liquid fertilizer to half or even a quarter of the recommended strength. For example, if the bottle says 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, I start with ¼ teaspoon. Mix it in a watering can or a bottle for easy pouring. 

Trust me, less is more with these guys.

2. Water first, then fertilize

I made the rookie mistake of fertilizing dry soil once, and my Haworthia wasn’t thrilled. Always water your succulents lightly a day or two before fertilizing. This preps the roots to absorb nutrients without burning them. Use well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging.

3. Pour carefully

When you’re ready to fertilize, pour the diluted mix slowly around the base of the plant. Avoid splashing on the leaves. I use a small watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil. If you get fertilizer on the leaves, wipe it off gently to prevent spots or burns.

4. Don’t overdo it

One round of fertilizer every 4-6 weeks is plenty. Overfertilizing can lead to soft, mushy growth or even root rot—yep, been there. If you notice white crusty buildup on the soil, you’re probably overfeeding. Flush the pot with plain water to clear it out.

5. Flush the soil occasionally

In American homes, where tap water can be hard, salts can build up in the soil. Every few months, I run plain water through my pots until it drains out the bottom. This keeps my succulents’ roots happy and prevents nutrient lockout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (I’ve Made Them All)

I’m not perfect, and my succulents have paid the price for my learning curve. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Fertilizing dormant plants: If your succulents aren’t growing, don’t feed them. I lost a sedum to root rot this way.
• Using too much fertilizer: Strong solutions burn roots. Always dilute more than the label suggests.
• Ignoring soil quality: Liquid fertilizer won’t help if your soil doesn’t drain. Use a cactus mix or make your own with sand and perlite.
• Fertilizing stressed plants: If your succulent looks droopy or sunburned, fix the issue before fertilizing.

After fertilizing, keep an eye on your plants. Happy succulents show vibrant colors, plump leaves, and steady growth. 

My echeveria started blooming after I got the fertilizing routine down! But if you see yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or stunted growth, you might be overfertilizing or overwatering. Cut back and flush the soil with water.

My Favorite Liquid Fertilizers for Succulents

After years of trial and error, here are my go-to liquid fertilizers for potted succulents:

• Schultz Cactus Plus 2-7-7: Affordable and widely available at places like Home Depot. It’s gentle and effective.
• Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food: Easy to find at Walmart or Target, but dilute it to ¼ strength.
• EarthPods Premium Cactus & Succulent Formula: These are capsules you dissolve in water—super convenient for small collections.
• FoxFarm Grow Big Liquid Concentrate: A bit pricier, but great for organic gardeners. Available online or at specialty nurseries.

Always read the instructions and dilute more than you think you need. Your succulents will thank you with plump, colorful leaves.

Final thought

Using liquid fertilizer for your potted succulents doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little care and the right approach, your plants will reward you with stunning growth. I’ve seen it in my own home, and I know you can too. Grab a bottle of cactus fertilizer, dilute it like crazy, and give your succulents the boost they need to shine