We all know that plants access food from their roots when we feed them a liquid fertilizer nutrient solution, or there are hard food sources present. Did you know that foliar feeding your plants by spraying them has many benefits, from healthy growing leaves, preventing over fertilization, to enhanced protection against pests and insects? In this article we explain how foliar feeding works, benefits associated, the role of the stomata, the best way and times to foliar feed, which products are best to use, mistakes to avoid when foliar feeding your plants, to grow the best crop possible.
How does the anatomy of the leaves allow foliar fertilisation to be absorbed?
If you look closely at the leaf of a plant at a microscopic level, you will notice that there are small openings on the underside of the leaf. These are known as stomata and are responsible for the plant’s gas exchange. Nutrients applied by foliar fertilisation penetrate the plant through hydrophilic pores in the cuticle and, to some extent, also through these stomata. Moreover, they are absorbed faster than nutrients applied through the soil.
However, the plant must receive sufficient nutrients through the roots. The crop can benefit from foliar fertilisation with small doses of nutrients, mainly micronutrients, supplementing the soil application of fertilisers.
So, when is the best time to foliar spray the plant's leaves?
There are a few things to keep in mind when foliar spraying. Still, don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward. If you are new to growing, then to be on the safe side, spray your plants with a nutrient fertiliser solution from the earliest seedling stage, right through to flowering. If you are not very experienced, to avoid problems such as mildew, do not use foliar fertilisation once the flowers are already maturing.
When spraying the leaves of your plants, it is very important to make sure you spray the tops and undersides of the leaves. This may mean lifting the plants so that you can spray underneath. During the hot summer months, it is best to do this during the cooler hours of the day to avoid heat stress and leaf burn.
On the other hand, make sure that the fertiliser doses are correct. To avoid leaf scorch, we recommend opting for the minimum doses and testing them.
The benefits of foliar feeding your crop
– Foliage and leaves can grow with a vibrant, healthy green appearance.
– Foliar feeding is an excellent way to avoid over-fertilisation.
– Spraying the plants does not damage the soil or the growing medium.
– Foliar feeding is an excellent way to supplement the supply of nutrients to the plant.
– A grower can spray his crop several times a day if he wishes.
Common mistakes to avoid when foliar spraying your plants
As a novice grower, it can be easy to make mistakes when spraying your crop. Here are some common mistakes to avoid the next time you add a foliar feeding regime to your growing program.
1. Not using clean water
If you can, always use a fresh water source, such as tap water, bottled water or reverse osmosis water. Avoid using stagnant water that has been sitting for a long time, accompanied by a bad smell. Fresh water is always best, and especially when preparing a new spray solution every 3-5 days.
2. Low pressure nozzles and sprays
The trick to good foliar spraying is to make sure that the spray nozzle can disperse the nutrient solution into tiny mist particles that are sprayed through the air. A low pressure spray nozzle will only cause the mist to emit a poor amount of coverage, so invest in a good quality spray bottle and nozzle and avoid using old bottles that are faulty.
3. Direct sunlight
Spraying in direct sunlight will only waste product and effort, as the sun will probably evaporate them before they penetrate the leaves. Forget the myth that the droplets can burn the leaves, that is not a problem.
On the other hand, keeping nutrients or foliar spray nutrient solution away from sunlight will allow them to retain optimal shelf life, and they will not be affected. Avoid keeping your spray bottles outside, or in direct sunlight, as this will cause organic solutions to become a breeding ground for bad bacteria.
4. Dilution rates
If your aim is to feed your plants with a nutrient solution, then you will only need very gentle dilution rates of 0.1-1 ml per litre. Avoid spraying high concentrations, especially with products with a high nitrogen (N) content.
5. Spraying flowers and fruits
Flowers and fruits are delicate parts of the plant, and if they accumulate moisture, it is quite easy for them to attract fungi and other pests, spoiling all the effort you have put into your crop.
What are the best Atami products for foliar feeding plants?
When it comes to providing your plants with the optimal levels of nutrition, we have 3 different foliar feeding products. We strongly recommend using:
B’Cuzz Silic Boost – This product can be used as a root feed or applied as a foliar spray at a rate of 0.1 ml per litre of water. Silic Boost is a supplement rich in silicon. Silicon is ideal for plants that produce fruit, vegetables and herbs, and will produce thicker, waxy, vibrant foliage, stronger stems that will better support the weight of your crops, and an overall more resistant plant to insect attack.
ATA NRG Alga C – A product based on various seaweeds, amino acids, trace elements, vitamins and other components of natural origin, Alga-C is a stimulator which, when used as a foliar fertiliser, has many excellent advantages and will ensure that your crop shows no signs of nutrient deficiency. Use at a dilution rate of 1-3 ml per litre of water.
Our conclusion
Foliar feeding your plants is easy to do, low cost and will allow you to produce a vibrant, healthy foliage with strong and waxy looking leaves. There are many benefits associated with spraying the tops and undersides of every plant leaf, with one of the best being keeping a spray bottle close by is an excellent deterrent for insects and flies. We advise you to keep a freshly made nutrient foliar spray in your grow room or garden, and to also keep a hydrogen peroxide bottle around in the event you notice insect damage.
Seedlings and younger plants will promote greater root growth, as the roots search out for space and moisture, whilst receiving nutrient fertilizers via their leaves. Avoid spraying flowering cannabis plants once they are producing buds as this will cause mould, however foliar spraying your fruits, vegetables and herb plants with a nutrient solution is strongly recommended!
