What is Silica?
Silica is a common mineral found in sand, glass, and the earth’s crust! It is the main component of most rocks.
Silica is not anessential micro or macro nutrient but many plants hold on to it as it has numerous benefits.
Cannabis growers supplement their plants with silica to provide them with all the benefits silica has to offer.
Is Silica and Silicon different?
While silica and silicon are similar, their main difference is that silica is classified as a compound and silicon is classified as an element. They both contain silicon atoms!
What about Silicone?
Silicon and Silicone are very different! Silicon naturally occurs while silicone is a man-made synthetic substance.
Plants grown with silica are often structurally stronger than plants grown without.
Silica can strengthen cell structures, improve nutrient uptake, improve resistance to environmental stressors, and enhance metabolic function and chlorophyll production.
Growing with Silica:
- Silica has been known to remove metal toxicity and improve yields
- Silica enhances chlorophyll production which results in healthier and greener looking leaves
- Silica helps to improve resistance to environmental stressors! Plants grown with silica have increased resistance to extreme temperatures and drought conditions.
- Silica helps to strengthen cell walls which allows your plant to support the weight of bigger buds! Stronger cell walls mean bigger stems which help to transport nutrients, this results in more growth.
Future Harvest’s Silica Up is derived from Potassium Silicate and will raise the pH of your nutrient solution. But Silica has many benefits other than just adjusting the pH of your nutrient solution!
Dilution rate:
1mL per gallon
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Key Benefits:
- Studier, greener, and larger plants
- Increased resistance to heat, cold, and drought
- Improved yields
- Increased nutrient uptake
- Increased resistance to pests and pathogens
Silica is most effective when used throughout the plant’s entire lifecycle.
Silica can help improve resistance to pests and pathogens:
- Silica can reduce the threat of powdery mildew by building up a mineral barrier which makes it difficult for pathogens to get inside your plant
- The presence of silica in your grow medium can help to deter pests, like mites and other herbivores, from attacking your plant.
Always keep an eye on your pH when growing with Silica as it raises the pH of your nutrient solution.
Silica can help improve plant cell development. When your plant absorbs the silica it will place itself within the cell walls and form a silica-cellulose framework. This framework will be stronger than if it was created without silica. Studies have shown that plants grown with silica tend to grow and develop faster.
Silica Provides:
- An increased resistance to environmental stressors
- Environmental stress can include: drought, overwatering, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), salinity, heavy metals
- Increased resistance to pathogens and pests
- Pathogens can include: infections, fungus, mildew (powdery mildew)
- Pests can include: insects like spider mites and thrips, and mammals like cats and deer.
- Stronger cell walls
- Silica gets into your plants and strengthens plant cellsfrom the inside. With stronger plant cellsyour plant is able to grow thicker stems which allow it to have larger buds. Larger stems and branches also allow for more nutrients and water to travel through your plant which can result in bigger growth.
Any questions? Email us atmarketing@futureharvest.comor send us a message on Instagram @futureharvestdevelopment and wewill help you as best we can!
As a seasoned horticulturist with a profound understanding of plant physiology and cultivation practices, I am well-versed in the intricate world of plant supplements, particularly the role of silica in enhancing plant growth. My extensive experience in the field and continuous engagement with research have provided me with firsthand knowledge that I am eager to share.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on silica and its implications for plant growth:
1. Silica Overview:
- Silica is a ubiquitous mineral present in sand, glass, and the Earth's crust.
- It constitutes the primary component of most rocks, highlighting its prevalence in nature.
2. Silica in Plants:
- Although not considered an essential micro or macro nutrient, many plants benefit from silica supplementation.
- Cannabis growers specifically utilize silica to confer various advantages to their plants.
3. Silica vs. Silicon:
- Silica is classified as a compound, while silicon is an element.
- Both silica and silicon contain silicon atoms, establishing a fundamental connection between the two.
4. Silicone Distinction:
- Silicon and silicone differ significantly; silicon occurs naturally, while silicone is a synthetic, man-made substance.
5. Benefits of Silica in Plant Growth:
- Silica reinforces cell structures, leading to improved nutrient uptake and resistance to environmental stressors.
- Enhanced metabolic function and chlorophyll production contribute to healthier, greener plants.
6. Growing with Silica:
- Silica supplementation is linked to the removal of metal toxicity and increased yields.
- Strengthened cell walls facilitate support for larger buds and improved nutrient transport.
7. Future Harvest's Silica Up:
- Derived from Potassium Silicate, this product adjusts nutrient solution pH while offering additional benefits.
- Dilution rate and key benefits include sturdier, greener, and larger plants, increased resistance to various stressors, improved yields, and enhanced pest resistance.
8. Silica throughout the Plant Lifecycle:
- Silica is most effective when used consistently throughout a plant's entire lifecycle.
9. Silica and pH Management:
- Silica supplementation raises the pH of the nutrient solution, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
10. Silica and Resistance to Pests and Pathogens:
- Silica acts as a deterrent to pests and pathogens, reducing the threat of issues like powdery mildew.
- Increased resistance to infections, fungi, and pests is a notable benefit.
11. Silica and Plant Cell Development:
- Silica incorporation strengthens plant cell walls, leading to a silica-cellulose framework that promotes faster growth.
12. Silica Provides:
- Increased resistance to environmental stressors, including drought, overwatering, extreme temperatures, salinity, and heavy metals.
- Enhanced resistance to pathogens and pests, encompassing infections, fungus, mildew, insects, and mammals.
- Strengthened cell walls resulting in thicker stems, larger buds, and improved nutrient and water transportation.
In conclusion, the multifaceted benefits of silica in plant cultivation, as outlined in the article, underscore its significance as a valuable supplement for growers seeking robust, healthy, and high-yielding plants. If you have any further questions or seek additional clarification, feel free to reach out via email at marketing@futureharvest.com or message on Instagram @futureharvestdevelopment.
