EARTHLIFE CATUS MATE 22KG

Cactus Mate is a natural, slow-release plant food and soil conditioner specially formulated for cacti, succulents and mixed succulent gardens. It is designed to provide a broad range of minerals, trace elements, plant-available silica, organic matter and beneficial soil biology while supporting healthy root development and reducing the risk of rotting.

Key benefits

• 100% natural plant food containing plant-available silica, minerals, trace elements, organic matter and garden-friendly microbes.
• Slow release, providing nutrients over time rather than delivering a heavy immediate feed.
• Helps promote stronger, healthier plants and root systems.
• Helps plants establish more quickly after planting or transplanting.
• Supports plants' natural resistance to rotting, pests and diseases.
• Can assist with flowering in cacti and succulents.
• Encourages beneficial earthworm activity in suitable garden soils.
• Contains natural rock phosphate, making it suitable for cacti and succulents.
• Will not burn foliage or roots when used according to the recommended rates.
• Suitable for use in pots and all soil types.
• Contains no manure, blood and bone or synthetic fertiliser.

Typical analysis

Earthlife's current product information lists approximately:

Nutrient/component	Typical analysis
Nitrogen	0.5%
Phosphate	1.3%
Potassium	1.1%
Calcium	10.8%
Magnesium	3.3%
Silica	34%
Sulphate	0.8%
Iron	2.8%
Organic matter	30%
Other micronutrients	60+

Product specifications can vary between published fact sheets, so the label on the bag should be used as the final reference for the particular batch/product you purchase.

Where to use it

Cactus Mate is suitable for:

• Cacti
• Succulents
• Succulent garden beds
• Mixed cactus and succulent gardens
• Potted cacti and succulents
• New plantings
• Existing established plants
• Planting and transplanting
• Re-potting

When planting or transplanting, Earthlife recommends placing some product in the planting hole and applying additional product around the plant. When re-potting, it can be incorporated into the potting mix to encourage root development and help reduce rotting.

Application rates

General fertilising:
300–500 g/m² (approximately 3–5 handfuls).

Planting/transplanting:
100–200 g (1–2 handfuls) in the planting hole, plus 200–300 g (2–3 handfuls) around the plant.

Problem soils or areas:
500–800 g/m² minimum.

Pots:
Approximately 1 tablespoon per 200 mm pot diameter.

How often to apply

Cacti: Apply approximately every 3 months for the first 12 months, then reduce to 1–2 applications per year once established.

Succulents: Apply approximately every 3–4 months.

If the soil or potting mix is receiving excessive water, Earthlife recommends a top-up application as appropriate.

Organic gardening

Cactus Mate is listed by Earthlife as a Certified Allowed Input for Organic Growers. The product is also described as contaminant-free and free from animal waste products.