Somebody resurrected this: In a message dated Sun, 17 Nov 2002, Stephen Kemp wrote: > Does anyone know of the possible benefits of silica in plant nutrition? Its > benefits are that they strengthen cell walls thus providing better stem > strength and leaf texture, additional protection > > from insects (because of the stronger cell walls?), resistance to > > fungus. > However it is a common nutrient in hydroponics (Superthrive?) > Superthrive does not contain silica. It contains Vitamin B1 and various plant hormones. The most common commercially available source of silica is Dynagro Pro-TeKt, which is potassium silicate. The bottle advocates using it at every watering, but I use it about once a month. Shake the bottle before pouring. The most notable results I've seen are that orchid flowers last longer, and my bonsai maples do not get leaf scorch during the summer. I do not have a lot of trouble with insects or fungus, but that could be due to other practices. I think it helps Cattleyas with weak pedicels. There are a few plants which definitely do not like it, but I have not noticed any sensitivity in mature orchids. One grower told me it burns orchid flowers if you spray it. Iris
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