If adding Silica last, pre-dilute the dose at least 10-fold with water to minimize the amount of white particles that form when it is added to the nutrient solution. This problem is more pronounced at higher EC’s especially with hard waters. Note, these ‘white particles’ will normally dissolve if the nutrient is immediately stirred and pH is checked, and is therefore typically only a ‘temporary’ aesthetic problem if treated correctly.

FloraMax Silica can be added first however the pH should be lowered below 7 prior to adding the nutrients and additives. Note, Silica increases the water’s pH which can destabilize pH sensitive elements once they are added. By adding Silica last, we generally only need to worry about pH right at the end. If you add it first, you need to worry about pH the whole way through.

Hydroponic plants are often susceptible to leaf wilt and bud rot, especially when exposed to heat from HID lamps. Silica helps strengthen plant cells to prevent limp or weak growth. Silica, known chemically as silicon dioxide (SiO2), is the chemical form that silicon (Si) adopts in plant matter. Silica is NOT the same as silicon. Silicon is the stuff computer chips and car polishes are made from.

FloraMax Silica is very effective for combating leaf wilt during summer heat. In addition to root feeding, Silica can also be applied as a foliar spray at 3ml/L (3ml/Qrt). This typically allows plants to endure ambient grow room temperatures upwards of 40 deg C (104 deg F). Foliage remains rigid and turgid so that photosynthesis can continue unaffected.

FloraMax SILICA is now available in a low-alkalinity version, called Silica 0-0-5. Although it has the same dose rate as Silica 0-0-8, it has less impact on nutrient pH, and less tendency to produce white particles in the working nutrient while dosing.