How frequently do I dose RAW silica?

[jlinzmaier]

Hello.

You've all been great at answering my questions so far and I greatly appreciate that.

Im currently growing autoflowers in 5 gal fabric pots with 25% worm castings 75% coco. Using Gaia Green dry amendments with glacial rock dust. Ive read dosing silicone could be beneficial so I purchased RAW Silica but the dosing frequency is listed - as needed. Can someone please provide some guidance with dosing frequency?

Thank you!

 

[Ninjadogma]

As needed really says it all. If you've got a flimsy plant or you're growing a strain that grows heavy buds and you're not sure the branches will support the weight, then you might want to give it some silica and carbs (molasses or a carb supplement like Bud Candy). Some folks say it does nothing but you're at least giving it the right ingredients for stronger plant structure.

I'd save it for plants that need it when they need it but if you're looking for a good time to add some to all your plants, it would be good to have it available to them during the stretch. You don't want to go heavy and if you aren't adding any other nutes, it's one of the rare instances where you might want to lower the pH of the water because it can raise it pretty significantly. Also - and this is pretty important - make sure you mix stuff in proper order. Usually you put the silica in first and let it sit, let the chemistry settle first and then add nutes which tend to bring the pH back down to a normal level. You put nutes in while the silica is still reacting with the water, it can become unstable and you wind up with all kinds of crazy lockouts.

 

[jlinzmaier]

As needed really says it all. If you've got a flimsy plant or you're growing a strain that grows heavy buds and you're not sure the branches will support the weight, then you might want to give it some silica and carbs (molasses or a carb supplement like Bud Candy). Some folks say it does nothing but you're at least giving it the right ingredients for stronger plant structure.

I'd save it for plants that need it when they need it but if you're looking for a good time to add some to all your plants, it would be good to have it available to them during the stretch. You don't want to go heavy and if you aren't adding any other nutes, it's one of the rare instances where you might want to lower the pH of the water because it can raise it pretty significantly. Also - and this is pretty important - make sure you mix stuff in proper order. Usually you put the silica in first and let it sit, let the chemistry settle first and then add nutes which tend to bring the pH back down to a normal level. You put nutes in while the silica is still reacting with the water, it can become unstable and you wind up with all kinds of crazy lockouts.

Thank you! With Gaia green dry amendments I'm only watering pH corrected tap water so no worry about mixing with nutes.

How frequently and how much molasses do you suggest?

 

[7munkee]

The 'shell' of trichomes are made of silica. I wouldn't go more than 3 grams/gallon once or twice in the flower cycle. It WILL make your stems stronger.

 

[Ninjadogma]

Thank you! With Gaia green dry amendments I'm only watering pH corrected tap water so no worry about mixing with nutes.

How frequently and how much molasses do you suggest?

I use 2 teaspoons per gallon once a month in veg and every third watering in flower. This is a light dose. You can start with one teaspoon and make sure they like it.

Make sure you use unsulphured blackstrap molasses. Plantation is a good brand.

 

[Zill]

How much did you pay for that bag of silicon? It’s going to last forever. You don’t need it. Si is not an essential element and plants grow fine without it. I’ve never seen Si recommended in hydroponics. By all means use it if it makes you feel better. Si has no role in trichome structure or function.

 

[Grownsince95]

Don't worry about pH with this one it's not like the alkaline liquid silica with potassium silicate. Be aware though that the labeling is slightly misleading calling it soluble. It will form a suspension, not a solution. For hand watering it's usually not a problem but in a reservoir you would need fountain/waterfall aeration to keep it from settling to the bottom.

I was skeptical at first like the above post but I've used GH armor si for the last five years in a drain to waste coco setup and will never grow hydro without it again. It's made that much of a difference in the overall health of my plants. Good luck and keep us posted!