Can I use plant leaves as fertilizer for my succulents?

Absolutely! Using plant leaves as fertilizer for your succulents can be a great way to provide them with nutrients and promote healthy growth. Plus, it's a natural and cost-effective option. Let me explain how you can do it effectively.

When it comes to using plant leaves as fertilizer, there are two main methods you can try: leaf mulching and leaf tea.

Leaf Mulching:

To use plant leaves as mulch for your succulents, start by collecting fallen leaves from your garden or nearby plants. Make sure the leaves are clean and free from any diseases or pests. Then, simply spread a layer of these leaves around the base of your succulents, being careful not to cover the center rosette or crown of the plant. This layer of leaves will act as a natural fertilizer, slowly decomposing and releasing nutrients into the soil.

As the leaves break down, they enrich the soil with organic matter, improving its structure and fertility. This helps retain moisture and provides a steady supply of nutrients to your succulents. Additionally, the leaf mulch acts as a protective layer, preventing weed growth and reducing water evaporation from the soil surface.

Leaf Tea:

Another way to use plant leaves as fertilizer is by making leaf tea. This method involves steeping plant leaves in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Here's how you can do it:

1. Collect a handful of healthy plant leaves, such as comfrey, nettle, or dandelion leaves. Avoid using leaves from plants that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

2. Chop the leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area.

3. Place the chopped leaves in a bucket or container and cover them with water. Use rainwater or tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.

4. Let the leaves steep in the water for about a week, stirring occasionally. This allows the nutrients to leach out into the water.

5. After a week, strain the liquid to remove the leaves, and dilute the tea with water. The ratio of tea to water should be approximately 1:10.

6. Use the diluted leaf tea to water your succulents once a month during the growing season. Pour the tea directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves to prevent any potential damage.

The nutrients in the leaf tea will provide your succulents with a boost of essential elements, promoting healthy growth and vibrant colors. It's important to note that leaf tea should be used as a supplement to regular watering and not as a replacement.

Using plant leaves as fertilizer for your succulents is a natural and sustainable way to nourish your plants. Whether you choose to use leaf mulch or leaf tea, your succulents will benefit from the added nutrients and thrive in your care. Happy gardening!

For more information on succulent care and other helpful tips, be sure to check out our site, Succulent Help.

Meredith Hyatt

Hiking, reading, experimenting with soil mixes

Meredith Hyatt is a passionate succulent grower with over a decade's experience in nurturing and propagating these resilient plants. She takes pleasure in experimenting with varying soil compositions and breeding new plants from cuttings. When she's not immersed in her succulent garden, Meredith takes to the trails for some hiking or unwinds with a good book.