About Silica for Plants: Silicon Supplements and Strengtheners
Silica supplements give plants silicon, which makers say strengthens cell walls and builds thicker, sturdier stems. Shogun, Canna and Dutch Pro all say regular use helps plants cope with heat, drought and other stress, and Shogun and Dutch Pro add that it helps plants carry heavier flowers and fruit.
Each product here is an additive that sits alongside your base feed in soil, coco or hydro. It is a useful extra for tomatoes, chillies, peppers and strawberries that carry heavy crops, as well as herbs, salad and houseplants grown under strong lighting.
Choose from Shogun, Canna, Dutch Pro, Growth Technology, Silicium, Aptus and Monkey. Free UK delivery on orders of £94.99 or more (large 19L to 25L containers have a delivery charge shown at checkout), we price match, and Click & Collect is available from our West Bromwich store.
How to choose a silica supplement
The main difference is the form of silicon. Potassium silicate is the classic, budget friendly option. Monosilicic acid products are made to be readily absorbed and are used at very small doses. Check each maker's dose and remember that most silica should go into the water before anything else.
| Product | Form of silicon and extras | Dose on our product page |
|---|---|---|
| Shogun Silicon | Highly concentrated potassium silicate, sizes from 250ml to 25L | 0.5 to 1 ml per litre |
| Growth Technology Liquid Silicon | 6% potassium silicate, made to go in the nutrient tank | Follow the label |
| Canna Silica | Two bioavailable forms of silicon for quick and lasting uptake, made to run with Canna feeds | 1 to 2 ml per litre |
| Dutch Pro Silica | Monosilicic acid, used weekly from the first week of growth until flush | 0.4 ml per litre, weekly |
| Silicium Si(OH)4 | Si(OH)4 silicon, can also be used as a foliar spray | 1.5 ml per 10 litres; spray 1 ml per litre |
| Aptus Regulator | Monosilicic acid with boron and molybdenum, sold as a nutrient transporter | 1.5 ml per 10 litres |
| Monkey Stress Silicone | Anti stress additive for transplanting, pruning and flowering, free from PGRs | 0.5 to 2 ml per litre |
Running a single brand feed? Shogun Silicon, Canna Silica and Dutch Pro Silica slot straight into those makers' schedules. Our guide to reading a nutrient feed chart explains how additives fit week by week.
Silica FAQs
What does silica do for plants?
Makers say silicon is deposited in cell walls and tissues, giving stronger stems and leaves and better resistance to heat, drought, wind and other stress. Shogun and Dutch Pro also say it helps the movement of water and nutrients through the plant.
When should I add silica to my nutrient tank?
First. Shogun, Dutch Pro, Silicium and Aptus all say to add their silica to clean water before any other nutrients or additives, mix well, then add the rest of your feed.
Does silica change pH?
Yes, silica products can raise pH. Canna says to adjust the water to around pH 6.5 to 7 after adding Canna Silica, then add your nutrients and check pH again. Always set your final pH once everything is in.
Can I use silica in soil, coco and hydro?
Yes. Shogun Silicon, Dutch Pro Silica, Canna Silica and Monkey Stress Silicone are all made for soil, coco and hydroponic systems. Growth Technology Liquid Silicon suits any setup you feed from a tank.
Is silica a complete plant food?
No. Silica is a supplement that works with a full base feed. Find the rest of your programme in our hydroponic nutrients and boosters and additives and boosters ranges, and pair it with CalMag if you use soft or RO water.
Need advice? Visit our West Bromwich store, call 0121 553 7872 or WhatsApp our experts.