Questions about fertilizer

[Cacti are Cool]

I can't find any specific "cactus ferilizer" in my area. Can I use something else too? Like diluted Miracle Grow, or something else.? Thanks

[iann]

You can use almost any fertiliser you want, just use it diluted 2-4 times more than the label says and don't use it too often. Or dilute it even more if you use it every time you water. In general it is best to make sure that the last number is larger than the first number. Tomato fertilizer is a common one that fits the bill.

Personally I also prefer the middle number not to be excessively large as this can lead to problems with longterm use, which rules out Miracle Gro but other people do use it on their cacti. My advice is to save it for your annuals

[Cacti are Cool]

What about like bonemeal, could that work. Sounds safer than Miracle Gro to me.

[iann]

Bonemeal isn't a balanced fertiliser, it is just one nutrient, a fertiliser ingredient. It supplies phosphate, and possibly a little nitrogen depending on the source, or possibly not. No potash and probably a little calcium but not a good selection of trace nutrients. Also bonemeal isn't soluble and phosphate is not mobile in soil so to be much use it really needs to be mixed into the soil when you first pot your plants.

[Cacti are Cool]

allright, thanks ian.
so since miracle gro isnt too safe, tomato fertilizer would be my best alternative to cacti fertilizer? also could you tell me around around what ratios of potash, nitrogen, and phosphate i should ideally get for cacti?
Thanks

[Andy_CT]

I've always seen the Schultz cactus plus at Lowes and Home Depot

http://www.schultz.com/ProductCategorie ... lusLiquid/