I've recently inherited a small potted cactus and a small potted Buddha Belly fig. I've been watering them occasionally and they're doing okay. The tags also recommend using fertiliser. Which fertiliser would be best for them?
Hello @Heather_
Thank you for sharing your question about your cacti and Budha Belly fig plants. For those two plants, I recommend using separate fertilisers, as their nutritional needs are a little different.
For the Buddha Belly fig, I’d recommend https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-1l-pour-feed-indoor-plants_p0162252 . It’s a ready-to-use liquid fertiliser with a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus trace elements, and is designed specifically for potted indoor plants. The instructions recommend applying it to moist potting mix, so it’s also quite straightforward to use.
For the cactus, I’d choose https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-1l-pour-feed-cacti-succulents_p0162255 . This is formulated specifically for cacti and succulents, with relatively low nitrogen and higher potassium to encourage steady rather than excessive growth.
Since it’s still currently winter weather, I wouldn’t rush to fertilise either plant immediately. I’d wait until spring and signs of active new growth before beginning. Although the Osmocote indoor-plant product says it can be applied every two weeks, for a small Buddha Belly fig I’d be fairly conservative rather than trying to maximise growth. Likewise, the cactus needs comparatively little feeding, so avoid the temptation to fertilise frequently.
One important point with both products is to apply them to moist potting mix rather than bone-dry soil. This is particularly important with the cactus: allow its potting mix to dry appropriately between waterings, then fertilise when it is actually due for a normal watering rather than giving it additional water purely because it's fertiliser time.
If you prefer something even lower-maintenance, Bunnings also sells Osmocote Controlled Release Fertiliser for Indoor Plants and a corresponding Cacti & Succulent Controlled Release Fertiliser, both are granules rather than liquid feeds and last for months, which could be a convenient option for two small pots.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you for your help, Eric!
