Fertilizer for Cactus

Cactus and Succulents do not require as much fertilizer as many plants, but it is still an important part of their care for multiple reasons. Just like people, plants that have all the nutrients they require are better defended against disease and pests. When fertilized in the specific plants growing season you will see more vigorous growth and greater flower quantity. Cactus and Succulents need little to no fertilizer in their respective dormant season. As a general rule of thumb, Cactus are actively growing in Summer and benefit from fertilizer in Spring through Summer. Succulents such as Euphorbia, Agave, Portulacaria, and Crassula are Spring/Summer growers and would appreciate fertilizer in those seasons. Succulents such as Echeveria, Senecio, Aloe, Haworthia, and Gasteria bloom in Winter and appreciate fertilizer in that season. 

Personally, my favorite maintenance fertilizer for my Cactus and Succulent collection is fish emulsion. It's organic, adds beneficial microbes to the soil, and is not so strong as to nitrogen burn my plants. I use it monthly, year around, for my potted plants. In ground plants only get it in their growing season.