What Are Additives and Stimulants Used for?
Additives and stimulants are available for a variety of purposes, be it ensuring better blooms or growing longer branches. Some additives are used to improve the plant’s tolerance to drought and heat. Others may help to leach off excess salt in the nutrient reservoir at the end of the fruiting and flowering cycle.
Most of these products are organic or natural. Some are made from plant extracts such as GreenFuse or a mixture of marine, microbial, and mineral extracts as in Floralicious.
Here’s a look at some of the important additives and stimulants.
1. Phosphorus
Phosphorus, in the form of phosphates helps the plant in photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, cell division, and several other vital processes. Plants with sufficient phosphorus mature earlier. Phosphates along with growth enhancers are known to produce better blooms, lush growth, and stronger roots.
To get quicker results, use a well-known brand such as Grotek Monster Bloom and Grow, which is very popular among hydroponics enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can use a combination product such as additives from Canna.
2. Amino Acids and Carbohydrates
While plants synthesize amino acids and compounds naturally, adding these compounds increases yield and improves the overall health of plants. These compounds help plants to overcome stress during critical growth conditions such as fruiting and flowering. Some amino acids are known to have a chelating effect, which simply means that they help the plants absorb and transport nutrients. For professional growers, using a tested solution such as SugarDaddy is a must to get better flowers and fruits. Another well-known brand that you can try is Sweet.
3. Magnesium
For lush green leaves, you need to add magnesium from time to time. After all, magnesium is a component of chlorophyll, the substance that plants use to prepare their own food. Limited magnesium can lead to yellow older leaves. Many hydroponics enthusiasts use products such as MagiCal that combine magnesium with calcium, another vital nutrient, to achieve better results.
4. Hormones and Vitamins
Hormones and other substances affect the plant’s time of flowering, seed growth, leaf formation, longevity, and fruit development and ripening. These essential hormones and stimulants are used by plants only at specific stages. However, unlike animals, plants lack the glands to secrete hormones. Hence, it becomes necessary to externally add these substances to get better yields. Well-known brands include Nitrozime and Superthrive.
Tags: Additives, Hormones, Stimulants
