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Growth Technology SILICA 1 Litre

$22.00 NZD

New from Growth Technology comes GT Silica, known as 'Nature's Bodyguard'. A natural powerhouse nutrient abundant outdoors but missing indoors. Adding Silica to your feeding routine gives indoor plants the protection that nature would normally provide, making plants stronger, both physically and by supporting stronger defences against pests, diseases and environmental stresses. 


PS: Yes, if you've come here recommended by Professor Monstera, this is the same silica product he recommends to “help you keep the whites from browning” on Monstera Albo, also used for other highly-variegated indoor plants.


Which plants need GT Silica?


    Silica can be used as a pro-active protectant for any plant not already getting silica naturally indoors, or where soil water is deficient outdoors. Silica can also be used defensively for plants under stress or attack, however is best used proactively 'little and often' as silica is not a mobile nutrient, meaning plants can't correct a deficiency by shifting silica within its tissues. Plants rely on their substrate to meet their needs for silica.

    Silica also helps strengthen sensitive or weaker plants prone to stem weakness, browning and wilting, and helps plant's prone to attack by pests, fungus such as root rot and other diseases. 

    Silica is best made available to plants via the roots, but when more urgent action is required, use GT Foliar which provides a boost of silica as a foliar spray for more immediate uptake, then continue with GT Silica long-term provided through the roots. 


      What's in GT Silica?


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


      How does silica help with environmental stress?


      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, browning, drooping or wilting leaves. The protective barrier also helps plants handle water and temperature stress. Reducing the impact of under- and over-watering as well as extreme hot or cold temperatures.

       

      How does silica help with pests?


      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's been shown to more quickly block the flow of sap when a plant is under attack from sucking insects like aphids and mealybugs. Plants have also been shown to continue to send silica to damaged areas after the threat is gone, so silica is also thought to assist with faster recovery.

       

      Browning in variegated leaves


      If you're an international Professor Monstera Method fan and have come here looking for silica because you're in New Zealand, yes, this is the same brand of silica the Professor recommends to "“help you keep the whites from browning”.

         

        GT Silica directions for use

         

        How much?


        Mix up to 5ml GT Silica to 1 litre water (to maintain 20ppm silica). Use less if there are existing silica sources (5mls is full strength).

        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 GT Silica maintains used little and often at this dose.

        Silicates are very 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 available here.

        Add Silica separate to your nutrient solution, or if following the Professor Monster method, always add silica first, wait 15 minutes, stir then add your GT Focus fertiliser of choice to the mix before watering roots. 

         

        How often?


        Silica is not a mobile nutrient. Plants rely on a regular supply. For best results, add GT Silica every time you water or every week.

         

        Customer Reviews

        Based on 1 review
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        D
        Dawn
        Silica

        Absolutely love it, so do my plants, every plant Mum or Dad should have this as part of their feeding routine.

        Shipping and Delivery FAQ's


        SHIPPING RATES


        Shipping
         is FREE for all orders over $99. For orders under $99: Auckland Standard $5, signature required is $7 or rural is $9. The rest of the North Island and the South Island: Standard $7, signature required is $9, or rural is $11. Plants and fragile or oversize products have their own rates (worked out in the cart based on your order). 


        IN STOCK, READY TO SHIP


        Stock levels are live. Everything showing in stock online, is in stock right here, right now, in Auckland NZ, ready to ship. No drop shipping from other countries. No delays.

         

        SHIPPING EVERY DAY


        Orders ship every week-day, Monday to Friday. Orders placed before 7pm Monday to Thursday leave the next morning. Zoom zoom! Fri, Sat & Sun orders leave Monday (or the next working day).

         

        FAST DELIVERY


        Normal delivery is 1 to 2 working days. Rural and some regions can take a day or 2 longer, depending on where you're based (I'm based in Auckland). 

        More about shipping and delivery > 

         

        CUSTOMER REVIEWS


        "Anna was brilliant. Order placed and sent the next day. Received in awesome packaging. Couldn’t ask for more... will definitely use you again and again and again. Highly recommend." Scott Guthrie 


        "I can’t recommend love that leaf highly enough. I’ve bought a couple of times so far and on both occasions Anna has been more helpful than I could possibly wish for. 5 stars! Don’t hesitate to order from Love That Leaf. Excellent service and super fast delivery." Rob Gordon

        Why choose to buy from Love That Leaf?

        YOU'RE SUPPORTING LOCAL

        When you buy from me you're supporting a local, small, family business. Love That Leaf is a registered NZ business, based in Auckland. 


        IN STOCK NOW + NEXT DAY DISPATCH 

        You'll also get your goodies super fast. Everything showing in stock on the website is right here, in stock, ready to ship to you. I ship daily, Monday to Friday. Your order will be normally be on the courier the same or next working day. Zoom zoom!


        I'LL PUT IT RIGHT + CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 

        I stand by everything I sell and will always help put right anything that goes wrong. When you choose to buy from a registered NZ business (like me), you're also covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act, unlike overseas purchases or private sales, where you can end up stuck with no rights if anything arrives damaged or stops working.


        SUPER SUPPORT

        I won't go AWOL on you. I'm here for support and advice anytime, even if you haven't bought from me yet. A lot of lovely people helped me along my plant journey, and I want to pay it forward. Please don't hesitate to ask for help. No obligation at all to purchase. 


        CUSTOMER REVIEWS


        "Super impressed with this business. Something that is lost nowadays, is customer service. This however is not the case with Anna from Love that Leaf. Very happy with my purchase, very happy with the product information provided and very happy with the quick shipping and great packaging. Thanks!" Melayna Anderson


        "By far the best customer care I've had in a long time. Website is such a wealth of information and the email with instructions for use after my purchase was fantastic. The pipette for measuring the correct amount was such a great inclusion, and the personalised message on the package was very cool. Definitely my go to shop for plant supplies now. Thanks Love That Leaf! A+++" Karyn Wilson