Avatar for Milford69
May 14, 2023 12:24 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Milford
Bedford, Ohio (Zone 6a)
My wife and I have been collecting Jade plants, along with a ponytail palm and a sago palm. Did not care for Miracle gro plant food, so I managed to find Schultz Cactus plus liquid plant food. 2-7-7.
I was hoping to use this in all the plants, but the sago palm is listed as "not a true succulent."
So, can I get away with using this plant food on the sago palm?
second question. I've read feed plants twice a month, feed once every 6 months, feed half strength, feed when Spring starts, and feed when transplanting. Any idea's which one is right?
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May 14, 2023 1:55 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 2
Are these outdoor plants for part of the year or indoors year round?

The new product should be good for the sago palm. I don't think there is a meaningful difference between products for succulents/cacti and other plants, it's all marketing.

Regarding dosing... never use the full amount indicated for outdoor plants. Especially if your plants are indoors. The recommendations are designed to sell lots of product, not meet your needs.

I use a low amount (1/20 of the recommended dose on the MG granular package for regular outdoor use) at every watering. Our climate is very mild and almost all my plants live outdoors year round. Maybe use 1/4 of the recommended dose if you feed less often.

The timing is mostly up to you. If you feed semi-regularly, use less fertilizer than if you feed once or twice a year. If you feed semi-regularly, make sure you water to completion and flush with a bit of extra water at the end, so the fertilizer salts don't build up in the soil.

Assuming your succulents come inside during winter, avoid feeding them during the colder/darker months. They will appreciate regular food during spring and summer, but it will be wasted during their annual slowdown.
Last edited by Baja_Costero May 14, 2023 1:56 PM Icon for preview
Avatar for Milford69
May 14, 2023 2:42 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Milford
Bedford, Ohio (Zone 6a)
All my plants are indoor plants. Got them last year. Never been outside. Never fed the plants. Label for plant food says 7 drops per quart of water. Was planning on using 4 per quart.
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May 14, 2023 3:37 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 2
Use the full 7 drops every time you water then, because the recommended dose is not a huge amount. Proved me wrong. Smiling

To arrive at an objective strength you can compare from brand to brand, you can use this handy online calculator.

https://firstrays.com/fertiliz...

Or this simplified calculator

https://firstrays.com/nitrogen...

I usually aim for 50 ppm N for regular indoor/outdoor use. You can go up to 200ppm N for occasional use. I'm getting a much lower result than either of those figures by plugging in the recommended dose you mentioned, but please check my calculations.
Last edited by Baja_Costero May 14, 2023 4:03 PM Icon for preview
Avatar for CPPgardener
May 14, 2023 6:29 PM CST
Name: John
Pomona/Riverside CA (Zone 9a)
Remember, plants can't read so use whatever analysis fits. Nitrogen (the first number on the package) is the most soluble nutrient and the most used by the plant.
My preference is to use what the label says or less. You won't kill anything by using it as per the label, even if it's a marketing thing. A lot of the 'gimmicky' products are very dilute, much like Baja's suggestions, and leave a wide margin for error.
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