No, No, No, pls don't use fertilizer instead of watering. Many of us don't fertilize succulents much at all.

Unlike Karen, I do fertilize my gritty mix succulents regularly....because back in the days when Al "Tapla" was prominent on the GardenWeb site, that was what was encouraged here....at the rate of less than a teaspoon per gallon of water, I believe. So, that's what I do, but ONLY with plants in gritty mix. My gritty mix consists most often of 1 part Turface, 2 parts pumice and 2 parts Manna Pro poultry grit.

The other strategy I have used is one that Stush (on the Sansevieria forum, I believe) wrote about -- using alfalfa and potassium pills, mixed with water, on Sans in growing season. I have done that, and also used the alfalfa/potassium mix on gasteria, and their growth has been phenomenal. You can research it by typing "Stush, alfalfa, potassium" into the search box to get specifics.

Welcome, Ermione! We will look forward to seeing pictures of your plants sometime.

Karen, I think you misread the original post? The question was about slow release fertilizer vs. liquid (fertilizer when watering), not fertilizer vs. water.

Ermione,

Some succulents react dramatically to fertilization so I'd recommend liquid fertilizer which you can easily control. For example, I do not fertilize unless I have the appropriate amount of light and heat to support the growth that it triggers because without those two factors, a lot of succulents grow fast but weak and out of shape. If your climate is more or less stable throughout the year so that your plants are never short of heat or light, you can probably work that slow-release thing.

It sounded easy to me too but when I could not find an adequate explanation for exactly how this "slow release" works and at what rate or concentration, I lost interest. Especially since I have to contend with the whole winter/spring/summer/autumn thingie.

I don't like bark either.

First,I want to thank everyone for their answers.

As I said, I was wondering about slow release fert. for matters of convinience.I can fertilise them with the liquid stuff if that is more suitable.

Pagan, my climate is not stable at all.My winters are mostly dry, with some frost and sporadic snowfall.In fact, today was our first winter's snow!Temperatures during winter can be between 34-50 F. So my succulents and cacti are kept dry and in a cold room until March.Therefore, I understand that I cannot use the SLF.

But what do you all think about my mix?Is the pucice too small or just right?Do you think that those two materials are efficient?Will they keep enough moisture in the summer?

Sorry for any mistakes I made writing this...it 's been a very long time that I needed to write anything in English.

You can still use SLF, it just won't be as easy as simply withholding fertilizer during winter dormancy, if you keep your plants dormant in winter.

I use exactly the same mix---small granite and pumice. It's simple and versatile, I adjust the proportions depending on how much water I want it to retain. Just remember you need to phase in your plants if you're moving them from soil-based mix. They'll need frequent watering for the first couple of weeks depending on what plants you have.

I do have succulents that I keep in a mix of 5 parts pumice and 1 part soil, mainly the types with very hair-like roots like mesembs. All of them are practicing succulents. I'm lazy so I keep trying to get away with as little watering as possible.

I hope this helps and show us your plants!

Pagan, since I keep them dry and coon in the winter, then the slf shouldn't be active, am I right?I understand that it will be a difficult transition for the plants,changing their mix.I think I should water very lightly until higher temperatures settle in during spring.

Nil, that is exactly my thought.Since growing period here begins March and ends at October,that will be enough time for the pellets to dissolve.I think.I thought I could just put them in the surface.I will have to look into that controlled/slow release issue.Thanks a lot!

I'm trying to upload photos but it doesn't work!

Here is an astro from last year where you can see the potting media it 's in.

ucculents+cactus · More Info

So,here are some that I planted in the new mix