Foliar Feeding for Cannabis
Foliar feeding is a speedy way to deal with nutrient deficiencies. Leaves absorb nutrients much faster than roots.
Foliar feeding is spraying the leaves of the plant with a nutrient solution. it’s a speedy and practical way to deal with health issues like nutrient deficiencies. Leaves are capable of absorbing nutrients much faster than the roots.
Most foliar spray products don’t include a surfactant which helps the liquid hold onto the leaves. This means that the nutrient solution runs off the leaves straight away and cannot absorb the nutrient solution properly. Therefore foliar feeding may help you with nutrient deficiencies and leaf health but it is not a substitute for regular feeding of the soil. Foliar spraying can also be used to apply fungicides or insecticides that help fight mould, bugs and disease.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FOLIAR FEED?
If you’re growing outdoors,foliar feeding is best done early in the morning or late in the evening when the plant’s spores are fully open. If you are growing indoors, spray your plants 1-2 hrs before the lights turn off or 1-2 hrs before the lights turn on. Again this is because the plant’s pores are fully open, allowing for quicker absorption.
Do not foliar spray your plants whilst in direct sunlight because the light can burn the leaves and degrade the nutrients in the solution.
CORRECTING LIMITED NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
Foliar feeding is great when something is limiting nutrient uptake by the roots. Soil’s pH, temperature stress, soil moisture, root disease or pest infestation can all affect nutrient uptake. Leaf nutrient absorption can be as high as 95% which is 8-9 times higher than the root’s absorption efficiency, making folir feeding a quick and easy way to address nutrient-deficient plants.
STIMULANTS AND GROWTH BOOSTERS
As well as supplying macro and micronutrients, stimulants and growth boosters in foliar spray will also help the plant grow healthier, stronger and improve yield and quality.
FOLIAR SPRAYING FOR PESTS AND DISEASE
Foliar sprays are the brilliant for preventing pests and diseases like spider mites, gnats, white fly and powdery mildew. A popularly used substance is neem oil which acts as both treatment and prevention. It also has the advantage of being 100% natural with anti-fungicidal properties.
More on this topic from Soft Secrets:
Nutrients and Media for Growing Cannabis
L
Liz Filmer
