Guide to Fertilizing Your Chandelier Plant

The chandelier plant, also known as the Kalanchoe beharensis or velvet leaf plant, is a beautiful and unique addition to any indoor garden. With its striking foliage and easy-to-care-for nature, it’s no wonder that this plant has become so popular among plant enthusiasts.

One of the most important aspects of keeping your chandelier plant healthy and thriving is proper fertilization. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about fertilizing your chandelier plant.

Why Fertilize Your Chandelier Plant?

Fertilizing your chandelier plant is essential for providing it with the necessary nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Without proper fertilization, your plant may struggle to produce new growth or may become weak and susceptible to disease.

Fertilizer provides important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for healthy plant growth. It also helps promote root development and can enhance flower and fruit production.

When to Fertilize Your Chandelier Plant

The best time to fertilize your chandelier plant is during its growing season, which typically runs from spring through fall. During this time, your plant is actively growing and will benefit from regular feedings.

It’s important not to over-fertilize your chandelier plant, as this can lead to nutrient burn, where the roots become damaged from excess fertilizer. It’s recommended to fertilize your plant every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

When choosing a fertilizer for your chandelier plant, it’s important to choose one that’s specifically designed for succulents or cacti. These plants have different nutrient requirements than other types of plants and need a fertilizer that’s tailored to their needs.

Look for a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, as this will help promote leaf growth. You’ll also want a fertilizer that’s low in phosphorus, as too much of this nutrient can lead to root burn.

How to Fertilize Your Chandelier Plant

When it’s time to fertilize your chandelier plant, simply dilute the fertilizer according to package instructions and water your plant as you normally would. You can also choose to apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of your plant.

It’s important not to get any fertilizer on the leaves of your plant, as this can cause leaf burn. If you do accidentally get fertilizer on the leaves, be sure to wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth.

Signs Your Chandelier Plant Needs Fertilizer

If you notice that your chandelier plant is looking a bit lackluster or isn’t producing new growth as quickly as it should be, it may be time to fertilize. Look for signs such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or a lack of new shoots.

If you’re unsure whether your plant needs fertilizer or not, you can also perform a soil test. This will tell you whether your plant is lacking in any essential nutrients and will help you determine whether it’s time to fertilize.

FAQ

Can I use regular houseplant fertilizer on my chandelier plant?

While you can use regular houseplant fertilizer on your chandelier plant, it’s not recommended. These fertilizers often contain too much phosphorus and not enough nitrogen, which can lead to root burn and other issues.

How often should I fertilize my chandelier plant during its dormant season?

During its dormant season, which typically runs from late fall through winter, you don’t need to fertilize your chandelier plant at all. The plant isn’t actively growing during this time and doesn’t need as many nutrients.

Should I use liquid or granular fertilizer on my chandelier plant?

Both liquid and granular fertilizers can be used on chandelier plants, but liquid fertilizer is often easier to apply and can be more quickly absorbed by the plant. Granular fertilizer can take longer to break down and may require more frequent applications.

In conclusion, fertilizing your chandelier plant is an essential part of keeping it healthy and thriving. By choosing the right fertilizer and applying it at the right time, you can help ensure that your plant continues to produce new growth and remains a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.