As a protectant for any plant not already getting silica naturally or where soil water is deficient. To strengthen sensitive plants and plants prone to weak stems, browning and wilting. To help defend plants prone to attack by pests, fungus and other diseases.

A concentrated blend of silicic acid and potassium hydroxide (called potassium silicate). Considered the superior form of silica for plants.

Plants deposit silica in their cell walls, strengthening roots, stems and leaves, acting as a protective barrier between the plant and the environment.

Silica increases physical strength for plants prone to weak stems, and browning, drooping, wilting leaves.

The protective barrier helps plants handle water and temperature extremes. Reducing the impact of under- and over-watering as well as extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Silica is part of nature’s defence system against pests that feed on roots, stems and leaves, such as fungus gnat larvae, mealybugs and root mealies, aphids, thrips and spider mites.

As well as making the external barrier harder for pests to penetrate and feed, silica also makes plants less palatable and harder to digest, slowing insect growth and reproduction.

Silica more quickly blocks the flow of sap when a plant is under attack from sucking insects like aphids and mealybugs.

Plants have been shown to continue to send silica to damaged areas after the threat is gone, thought to assist with faster recovery.

This one’s for the fans of the Professor Monstera Method in New Zealand: Professor Monstera recommends silica to strengthen plants and “help you keep the whites from browning”. Following the Professor Monstera Method, add GT Silica first and wait 20 minutes before adding the rest of your nutrients, every time you feed.

Mix up to 5mls GT Silica to 1 litre water to maintain 20ppm silica.

Although the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, a component of most rocks, the concentration of silica in soil water is not that high (rocks don’t tend to be all that soluble). Silica concentration in soil water generally doesn’t get above 20ppm, the level recommended to use GT Silica.

Silicates are alkaline in their concentrated form in the bottle. Either wear gloves when handling, or take care not to spill on your skin (or clothes). Safety data sheet

Add GT Silica separate to your nutrient solution, or add first, wait 20 minutes, then add your GT Focus fertiliser of choice to the mix before watering roots.

For best results, add GT Silica every time you water.

Available in 250ml and 1 litre