Should I be adding *extra* PK additives to the FloraMax feeding schedule during bloom? No, the PK levels (Phosphorous and Potassium) are optimized with Flowering Enhancer, Resin-XS and the FloraMax base nutrient (VegaFlora AB or Veg-1). During mid-to-late bloom, we generally recommend using Resin-XS at 2-3ml/L (7.5-11.5ml/Gal). However, for heavy feeders, Resin-XS can be used at upwards of 4ml/L (15ml/Gal), especially during bloom week 5 to 8.
When using FloraMax, do I need a “cal-mag”? No, the FloraMax line is designed to eliminate the requirement for additional “cal-mag” additives as it is built into our base nutrients and Flowering Enhancer product. Over hundreds of test grows during the development phase there was never any need for a dedicated cal-mag additive. Furthermore, use of additional “cal-mag” may result in excessive calcium precipitate leading to clogged lines or build-up in the reservoir. Therefore, avoid using a cal-mag (Ca-Mg-Fe) unless deficiency symptoms are eradicated by their use.
Why does FloraMax manufacture a “cal-mag”? To address the deficiencies found in competing brands. We are committed to helping growers achieve their best results regardless of the nutrient regime they follow, our Ca-Mg-Fe product is ideal for use with other regimes.
Nutrient deficiencies? Over 90% of the “alleged” deficiency incidents that we have responded to (with FloraMax), the grower has not followed the chart. For example, the plants are in week-4 veg but are still being fed the week-2 veg schedule. Why? Sometimes growers are hesitant to advance the schedule to successive weeks. High pH and humidity, and under-watering are other common causes. If this is not the case and the nutrient solution is in fact truly deficient under the given conditions, employ Ca-Mg-Fe at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal). If that fails to fix the problem within 1-week, increase its usage rate to 1ml/L (4ml/Gal). If that fails then the issue is probably not due to cal-mag or trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mo or B).
NOTE: If the nutrient solution is deficient, Ca-Mg-Fe is the most effective way of rectifying the issue. Increasing EC by increasing the base nutrient dose is a common remedy, however, the most likely elements to be deficient in ‘most’ nutrient solutions are those contained within Ca-Mg-Fe – and is therefore why we recommend it for this purpose.
Should I use an air-stone with VegaFlora? Generally no. Claimed growth benefits from “super- oxygenated” nutrient have nil scientific merit. For run-to-waste systems (soil and coco) an air-stone is not required and should be avoided as they can cause adverse reactions with organic additives and destabilize pH, especially if too much air is being injected. If batches are being stored for more than a few days, System Maintenance should be used to prevent any build-ups in the reservoir especially if any light is able to enter. Also, cover the reservoir, however, ensure the lid is raised to allow airflow – this will prevent the growth of mould on the hard surfaces inside the reservoir.
For recirculating systems, air-stones can be beneficial especially if the dump frequency is infrequent, however as mentioned above, minimize the air injection rate if using organics. This does not apply to DWC – the nutrient solution must be aerated, hence the clause, “feasible”.
Can I use chlorine or hydrogen peroxide with FloraMax? No, System Maintenance should be used instead. Growers must be made aware that many of the FloraMax products contain essential “purified extracted organics”. These appear more-or-less identical to synthetics or salts, and lack the typical characteristics of organic additive e.g. sludgy, sticky and stinky. The trouble is, grower’s can unwittingly assume FloraMax is a “synthetic-line” and employ chlorines or peroxide – which can destroy the organics!
Can cal-mag additives or base nutrients be used as foliar sprays? These are NOT recommended for use as foliar sprays. Firstly, the calcium in cal-mag additives (and base nutrients) will cause white staining on the surface of foliage. During daylight (lights-on), this can hinder photosynthesis and cause burning of foliage (aka “necrosis”). Also, the nutrient species used in cal-mags or base nutrients are not ideally suited for uptake via stomata. For maximum uptake and efficacy, it is best to use a specialized foliar spray such as FloraMax Clone Spray. This can be used for seedlings and clones, then throughout veg and in early bloom through to about week 3 or 4 – but generally not later than this. The ingredients in Clone Spray are designed for maximum uptake via stomata and will impart the necessary benefits desired from a foliar spray e.g. improved foliage growth, increased number and quality of bud sites, improved plant structure and increased root mass.
EC of nutrient batch is higher or lower than expected: The EC target can be verified by calculating the sum total of the EC contributed from each product in the nutrient solution. For example, on the VegaFlora A+B Dose Chart (v. 25 Aug 22), the schedule for Veg Week-1 contains four components that contribute to the EC target: VegaFlora A contributes 0.67mS (at 2.4ml/L; 9ml/Gal)) + VegaFlora B, 0.58mS + Root-XS, 0.1mS and OrganaBud, 0.07mS. The sum total of the EC is 1.42mS (i.e., 0.67+0.58+0.1+0.07=1.42mS). Note, System Maintenance and Silica contribute negligible EC, hence their EC contribution is not specified.
Now, if the EC target is not achieved, the reasons might be as follows:
EC is lower than expected:
- Check the meter’s accuracy using a calibration standard (typically at 2.76mS). This is by far the most common cause of EC discrepancies.
- You have under-dosed with one or more products.
- Reservoir is larger than specified i.e., need to calibrate the reservoir.
- Failed to add one or more products that contribute EC.
- Measuring devices are incorrect.
EC is higher than expected:
- Check the meter’s accuracy using a calibration standard (typically at 2.76mS). This is by far the most common cause of EC discrepancies.
- Have over-dosed with one or more products.
- Reservoir is smaller than specified i.e., need to calibrate the reservoir.
- Failed to consider the EC contributed by the water and extra additives. For example, if water has an EC of 0.3mS, then this needs to be added to the EC target (1.42+0.3 = 1.72mS). Similarly, if Ca-Mg-Fe is added at 0.5ml/L, this will contribute 0.14mS, or 1ml/L will contribute 0.28mS.
- Measuring devices are incorrect.
Should I run low EC/TDS, or even just water, in the last 7-14 days? Although this is a common trend, our best testers – and we have them in many countries – find that it’s best to continue high EC until harvest. Low final EC/TDS harms final quality and flavour. Some common causes of bad flavour/quality are:
- Failure to dry the final product adequately causes a harsh taste.
- Nuisance chemicals in the nutrients and additives – metallic tastes are common. Some nutrient brands have a “signature” taste…
- PGRs such as paclobutrazol and daminozide reduce flavour.
- Excess sugars/carbs have a similar affect as the above-mentioned PGRs.
- Poorly balanced nutrients (some elements run deficient, others run excessive i.e. toxic) can cause a harsh taste.
Our product development capabilities are backed by over 50 years of experience as analytical chemists in horticulture and 25 years as hydroponic nutrient chemists. One of our greatest achievements is ensuring that the full FloraMax nutrient line-up works together so that you experience a true expression of the plant’s genetic profile, not the nutrient inputs! This was achieved through unbiased and laborious field testing combined with rigorous crop trials and feedback from over 50 industry professionals.
You can be confident growing with FloraMax VegaFlora. We utilize the highest grade of ingredients available for plant nutrient products. Also, every batch of FloraMax is manufactured by our in-house senior chemist and quality tested before being bottled. Our products boast extra long shelf-life, typically at least 3-5 years, which ensures every bottle performs to specification. Growers can be confident of achieving consistent yields from crop-to-crop.
VegaFlora A+B is a professional 2-part nutrient that meets the demands of commercial cropping in hydroponics, soil or coco coir.
Satisfactory plant growth requires all nutrients being simultaneously available and in sufficient quantity. The 6 “macronutrients” are those needed in the largest quantities. Of these, the 3 most important ones are the NPK fertilizers – nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The “trace elements” are also needed but only in small amounts.
