Adding silica to feeding schedule?

[Edmick]

Has anyone ever added silica to their feeding schedule to strengthen plants? A friend told me that adding silica will strengthen plants and help reduce heat stress and sun damage. Thoughts?

 

[Powelly]

Yes it's a good idea
There are bottled nutrients like ag-sil, you can use rock dusts or my favourite, malted barley

 

[Edmick]

I ended up just getting the water soluble powder.

 

[Powelly]

Just remember that if it's water soluble it will leach out of the medium if you get runoff so probably only good if you're using containers with a drip tray

 

[Edmick]

Any suggestions on how often to use it? I fertilize weekly and I flush the soil in my pots well before next feeding.

 

[Powelly]

Once every 2 weeks

 

[Edmick]

What other benefits does it have other than "strengthening" the plant? Everything i read about it seems a little vague.

 

[Powelly]

It's just a nutrient that the plant requires, along with a dozen others
Potting mixes usually lack silica, don't expect a miracle 

 

[seasmoke]

I add diatomaceous earth to my container mix just to be sure it's (silica) in there. I think it makes for a sturdier plant that can withstand high winds and hard rains better. I have no scientific data to back this up.