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Silica supplements

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Raven, Nov 26, 2021.

  1. Nov 26, 2021 #1
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Any ideas on supplementing orchids with silica? I've heard it helps with increasing heat tolerance which may be beneficial for cool growers.
    I was thinking to try Pro-Tekt Silica but there are contradictory statements all over the internet...Does anybody use it?
     
  2. Nov 27, 2021 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    I used to use Pro-teKt routinely as a way to raise the pH of RO water that was drastically lowered by the use of Dyna-Gro fertilizer.

    In the years I did that, I saw absolutely no improvement in temperature tolerance or any other benefit.

    I have looked into it in plant nutrition texts, and apparently silicon is truly necessary for grains like rice, but is in such minuscule demand for others that no deficiency has ever been reported.
     
    Raven and Marni like this.
  3. Nov 28, 2021 #3
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for your input, Ray.
    I purchased a small bottle of Pro-tekt before I saw your response (great Black Friday deal). Guess, it won't harm the plants!