Foliar feeding is a highly effective technique that delivers nutrients directly to a plant’s leaves and stems. It is effective on soil and hydroponic crops. While traditional watering relies on roots to pull food from the nutrient solution or soil, foliar spraying leverages the plant's natural anatomy for immediate results.
Fast Absorption
Leaves are covered in microscopic pores called stomata, which open up to breathe and can rapidly absorb dissolved minerals. Because the nutrients bypass the slow journey through the root system, plants utilise them almost instantly, making this method the ultimate first-aid tool for correcting sudden nutrient deficiencies.
Leaves are covered in microscopic pores called stomata, which open up to breathe and can rapidly absorb dissolved minerals. Because the nutrients bypass the slow journey through the root system, plants utilise them almost instantly, making this method the ultimate first-aid tool for correcting sudden nutrient deficiencies.
Importance of Timing
To maximize the benefits of foliar feeding, timing and technique are critical. The best time to spray is during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cool. During these hours, stomata are naturally open, and the lack of intense sunlight ensures that water droplets will not act like magnifying glasses and burn the foliage.
To maximize the benefits of foliar feeding, timing and technique are critical. The best time to spray is during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cool. During these hours, stomata are naturally open, and the lack of intense sunlight ensures that water droplets will not act like magnifying glasses and burn the foliage.
Technique
A fine mist sprayer should be used to coat the entire plant, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves, where the highest concentration of stomata resides. Tender, green stems should also be coated, as they can absorb a minor amount of the solution to help reinforce the plant’s structural strength.
A fine mist sprayer should be used to coat the entire plant, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves, where the highest concentration of stomata resides. Tender, green stems should also be coated, as they can absorb a minor amount of the solution to help reinforce the plant’s structural strength.
Temporary Measure
Despite its incredible speed and efficiency, foliar feeding works best as a temporary supplement during high-energy growth phases, such as flowering or fruit production, or when there are nutrient deficiencies. It provides an immediate pick-me-up, but the foundation of plant health always remains a rich, living soil or a well-balanced hydroponic reservoir.
Despite its incredible speed and efficiency, foliar feeding works best as a temporary supplement during high-energy growth phases, such as flowering or fruit production, or when there are nutrient deficiencies. It provides an immediate pick-me-up, but the foundation of plant health always remains a rich, living soil or a well-balanced hydroponic reservoir.
When combined with a good nutrient solution, foliar spraying unlocks a plant's full potential for vibrant growth and maximum yield. View our range of foliar feed spray concentrates: www.originhydro.com.au/foliar-feed-spray. let us know if you have any questions and we will help!