Category: Soil Amendments & Fertilizers

If you start to notice cal-mag deficiency in flowers, you’ll need to act fast to save your plant’s bloom. During flowering, plants need more magnesium and calcium because of bud production. This is a key productive stage in a plant’s life that requires lots of nutrients to sustain the bloom stage. Calcium and Magnesium are two of the most important secondary nutrients. They are a little less important than the primary nutrients – N, P, K).

The Impact of Cal-Mag on Plants

These two minerals, though secondary, are vital to the biological processes in a plant. Let’s see what each mineral does.

Signs of Cal-Mag Deficiency in Flowers

It is not easy to detect cal mag deficiency in the early stages of a plant. Thus, it is important to act as soon as you detect the first sign. First signs appear in the lower leaves of the plant. The tips of the leaves curl upwards and turn brown. The brown spots increase in size and number starting from the lower to the top part of the plant. The youngest leaves on the top part of the plant also get brown spots with discoloration of veins.

Botanicare HGC732110 Cal-Mag Plus

Read about What is Azomite and How to use it in Gardening

How to Supplement Cal Mag Deficiency in Flowers

Water is one of the essential requirements for all plants. Did you know water is one of the supplements for these secondary nutrients – calcium, and magnesium? Natural water contains abundant calcium and magnesium as dissolved minerals. Plants should be able to get these two nutrients in plenty from the soil/water itself. Tap water also contains these two secondary minerals. You don’t have to worry about using natural water only. Soft water has a low pH with minimal minerals in it.

If you live in an area with low pH, you will have to look for cal-mag supplements for your plants. Hard water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. Using this water means you don’t need to add any Calcium or Magnesium supplements. Treated water requires Cal and Mag supplements addition. Because the distillation process removes the good minerals from the water.

How Much Calcium and Magnesium Should You Use?

You can make a homemade cal-mag supplement using Epsom salts (Magnesium sulfate) and Calcium nitrate. Mix 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium. You will need 6g Calcium Nitrate and 4.5g Epsom salts per gallon of water. In specific situations, you might need to adjust the nutrient levels to fit your type of deficiency. If you buy a pre-mixed cal-mag supplement, you will get the right recommended mixture. Stick to those levels for the best results. Remember, excess use of these supplements can be bad for your plants!

When to Stop Cal-Mag in Flowering?

While adding cal-mag to your plants is important, it’s also just as important not to add too much cal-mag. Cal mag usually comes pre-mixed in either a supplement or liquid. When purchasing it like this, it will usually come with instructions on how to apply and how much you should be using. Even if you feel as though your plants are struggling, do not use more than the specified amount and look for potential other issues instead.

The best time to start using cal-mag is when your plants are small. It should be done gradually, in stages, building up the amount as your plant grows. Usually, it’s best to stop as the plant starts to flower, but you don’t have to do this. When it begins to flower after 4-6 weeks, you can simply lower the dosage you’re giving your plants. However, we would recommend sticking to the instructions provided on your supplements.

Can I Use Magnesium Tablets for Plants?

Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to use magnesium tables for plants. When it comes to adding magnesium, it’s best to use a supplement that has been designed specifically for gardening. This will ensure your plants receive the correct amount required to thrive.

Can You Use CalMag Foliar Spray During Flowering?

While CalMag foliar spray is great at many points throughout the cycle of your plant growth, it is not recommended when flowering. Unfortunately, if you use too much when flowering, this can lead to too much moisture in your plants. This can then lead to mold and rot.

Will Cal Mag Tighten Buds?

No. If growing tight flowers, if you use too much cal mag, it can lead to too much moisture and eventually cause mold. If you’re looking to tighten your buds, it’s best to use a bud hardener. Bud hardener is simply a product to add to your flowers when they’re almost finished growing to tighten them. It’s typically used nearer the end of the growth cycle to help them put on weight.

How Do I Know If My Plants Are Lacking Cal-Mag?

You may be wondering how best to tell if your plants are lacking in cal mag. If so, you may want to check for one of the following signs.

• color change. If you become aware that your plants are turning yellow or brown at the tips, this likely means that your plant isn’t receiving enough calcium. However, it’s best to do a soil test to confirm this before you take action.
• slow growth. If you’ve noticed that your plant is growing slower than it should, it may be because it doesn’t have enough calcium or magnesium.
• floppy stems. Your stems may become limp and lifeless if your plant is deficient in magnesium or calcium.
• curly leaves. If you notice that your leaves are curling inwards, it’s likely because they’re not receiving enough calcium.
• rotting. If you notice that your flowers are rotting or becoming smelly, it likely means that your plant is experiencing a lack of calcium.

Conclusion: Cal Mag Deficiency in Flowers 

In most cases, these two supplements can be easily available in water and soil. But in exceptional cases, supplements are required. Cal mag supplements are available to buy. But you need to pay attention to the labels. Get something that consists of cal and mag only. Be sure to get a supplement that does not contain other nutrients. Supplements that contain nitrogen and other nutrients bring a risk of over-feeding. This is dangerous to your plants!

Do you have any tips or tricks for helping cal mag deficiency in flowers? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

FAQs

Let’s talk about perlite vs pumice. Both perlite and pumice are great soil amendments, especially for succulents and cacti. However, the question on most gardeners’ minds even the experienced ones is, which is the better soil amendment between the two?

There are some factors to consider that will help determine if perlite is better than pumice and vice versa. So, read on to find out more about these two materials.

Perlite & Pumice

Perlite and pumice are both used to enhance soil aeration and help to reduce waterlogging. They don’t retain water, thereby making them an excellent draining soil material. Potted plants such as succulents and cacti cannot do well with just soil. Their soil needs to be amended with coarse pebble materials to better suit their requirements. Thus, soil amendments like perlite and pumice are used.

First things first, let’s take a look at the characteristics and features of both so we can better understand them. It’s good you understand what they are made of and where they came from so you can decide which is better.

Perlite Features & Uses

Perlite is derived from a mined silicon rock that has been crushed, heated, and expanded. It also contains other minerals like iron oxide, potassium oxide, and sodium oxide.

Perlite is light in weight and color. Before the process of heating, perlite can be brown, red, gray, green, or blue. However, after it has been heated, it becomes light gray or white.

Perlite is commonly used in ceiling tiles, roof insulation, and for plastering. In addition to these household and industrial uses, they are also used in gardening and hydroponics. It is also a great choice for seedling starters as well as root cuttings.

Pumice Features & Uses

Pumice is derived from volcanic eruptions or explosions. It comes from the same type of molten rock that would form granite. Pumice requires much less processing than perlite, so its production is more environmentally friendly.

Pumice is quite soft but not as lightweight as perlite. It is usually referred to as solidified rock foam. Pumice rocks are capable of floating in the water as they contain some air that makes them light enough to float.

Pumice is mostly used for construction and horticulture. Unlike regular concrete blocks, the concrete block that has pumice has a lighter weight and enhanced insulating features. They are used in the garden as soil amendments and they can also be used as a growing medium in hydroponic gardening.

Pumice is especially great for plants that are heavy and predisposed to turning over in the water, as it will keep them rooted in one place.

Perlite Vs Pumice

Let’s compare some features between perlite vs pumice to know our best pick:

• The pumice stone comes in various sizes to suit various requirements and they are lightweight but not as lightweight as perlite.
• Pumice is capable of floating but it is still a little heavier than perlite so it can’t be blown away by wind or storm, unlike perlite.
• Heavy potted plants that are prone to tipping over are better off planted in pumice rather than perlite to keep them steady. Thus, your plants are safe from wind, heavy rain, as well as routine watering.
• Unlike perlite, pumice does not decompose easily. This implies it can last you for a long time without the need for replacement thus, reducing running costs.
• Perlite is not as pricey as pumice. It’s easier to purchase them at your local garden center or nursery.
• Perlite is also easy to access, however, pumice might be expensive in your zone and it might be difficult to get the appropriate sizes that you need. Mostly, bigger sizes of pumice are common. However, smaller sizes may not be always available. The good news is that there are various retailers online where you can obtain the appropriate type and size that you want. All you need to do is to pay a bit for the shipping fee and have your pumice delivered comfortably to your doorstep.

USA Pumice – 1.25 Dry Quarts

Pumice vs Perlite For Indoor Plants

Both pumice and perlite are excellent for improving soil properties such as drainage and water retention. However, pumice has better porosity and therefore offers better drainage potential. But perlite is better at retaining moisture compared to pumice.

Both products are used for different purposes in indoor gardens. Pumice is better suited for tropical plants that need to retain water, while perlite works better for plants like orchids as a soil supplement.

Pumice and perlite will improve the following soil properties when used properly for the appropriate plants;

• soil drainage
• soil aeration

In terms of having particle size options to fit the size of your indoor plant pots or planters, perlite offers more options. Other advantages of perlite include that it is more readily available for purchase, as well as that it is stable and will not disintegrate over time or release any chemicals into the soil. 

Unless you absolutely have to use pumice, we would recommend perlite as our amendment of choice due to the many advantages and choices that it offers.

What is Perlite Made Of?

Perlite is a naturally occurring mineral. It exists as a type of glass in nature, that is formed when volcanic obsidian glass is saturated with water, a process that happens over a long period.

Like all other volcanic rock, it is pretty dense and heavy in its natural form. Typical perlite is made up of the following ingredients; 

• 70-75% silicon dioxide
• Aluminum oxide
• Sodium oxide
• Potassium oxide
• Iron oxide
• Magnesium oxide
• Calcium oxide
• 3-5% Water

Before the use of pumice in plants, it has to be processed into the light stuff that we see, which looks like styrofoam.

What is Pumice Made Of?

Pumice is also a type of volcanic glass. It is very porous and is formed when there are explosive volcanic eruptions. The high porous nature of the pumice is caused by depressurization and rapid cooling after the lava gets ejected from the volcano.

Pumice in its natural form has colors that range from white to dark grey, depending on the place where it is mined. Some gardeners use pumice as a top dress for their soil to give it a more attractive look than just the soil or dirt.

Pumice Or Perlite For Succulents?

Both pumice and perlite can be used for succulents. However succulents like pumice more. This is because pumice absorbs and releases water slowly while helping aerate the roots through the soil at the same time. 

If you are using organic soil to grow your succulents, we would highly recommend that you add some pumice to it, this will greatly help your plants. You can also grow succulents using only pumice, you will however need to be very careful with your watering frequency, as too much may damage your plants.

Pumice is also a bit heavier than perlite. It will work better for top-heavy plants like some succulents by helping to stabilize them. Because it is heavier, it also means that there will be less waste as you will not use much product through wind, rain, and routine watering.

Perlite Vs Pumice: The Option Chosen

Even though the two are great, we still have one clear winner. So, our pick is pumice! Pumice is an excellent option especially in enhancing the soil in your succulent.

Conclusion – Perlite Vs Pumice

Both perlite and pumice are great for soil amendments in your garden. They will both enhance soil aeration and drainage for your succulents, cacti, and other plants.

However, pumice is of greater option because it is long-lasting, doesn’t decompose easily, will hold your heavy plant steady, and so on.  The main downside to pumice is that it’s a bit more pricy than perlite, and not as easily accessible.

All in all, you should go for the one that will suit your needs and plants best.

FAQ’s

Most farmers and at-home gardeners often wonder about the use of potassium sulfate for plants, whether it dissolves in the soil and how exactly to use it. Here we discuss this fertilizer so that farmers can have a better understanding of it and its application.

Potassium sulfate is an excellent source of potassium for plants. It provides the essential plant nutrient in a stable PH-neutral form. With some brands certified as organic, you can choose from a wide variety of commercially available brands.

Potassium fertilizers come in different types.  If you don’t understand their differences, it can be difficult to distinguish them.  Potassium sulfate is the best choice for both organic and conventional gardeners.

Is Potassium Sulfate Soluble?

Not all potassium sulfate fertilizers are alike. There are synthetic potassium sulfates and those that are organic certified. The potassium sulfate that comes from natural mining sources is the one that is certified organic. This potassium has not undergone any kind of further processing.

Unfortunately, some unprocessed raw materials are not water-soluble. They carry unwanted minerals that do not help the plant when put into the soil. Only a few sources of organic potassium sulfate are soluble. Knowledgeable sales staff should be able to tell you the source of their fertilizers. And whether their product is soluble or not.

While some brands of potassium sulfate fertilizer claim to be 100% soluble,  potassium sulfate itself has low solubility when compared to other potassium fertilizers such as potassium chloride. This may present challenges when it is applied in the soil, as it will not dissolve well through irrigation.

It is also important to know the grade of the potassium fertilizer you are buying. Large particles of potassium sulfate are barely soluble and not a good choice. The best grade is the fines with small particles about 0.015mm and below. Fine grades dissolve more easily and are better to use in foliar sprays or irrigation.

Check this organic fertilizer from Down to Earth that provides a source of potassium, magnesium, and sulfur for your plants.

Essential Functions of Potassium Sulfate in Plants

Potassium sulfate helps to complete a majority of essential functions in plants. Some of these functions include:

• Activating enzyme reactions
• Synthesizing proteins
• Forming starch and sugars
• Regulating water flow in leaves and cells

In most cases, potassium in the soil is too low to support healthy plant growth. And for this reason, you can choose to add potassium sulfate to the soil in which you grow your plants.

How To Use Potassium Sulfate In Soil

A potassium deficiency in plants usually manifests itself in leaves turning yellow. To provide fast-acting potassium to such plants, it is best to use foliar feeding sprays. The foliar spray made from clean water and soluble potassium stops the problem from spreading.

Highly concentrated potassium fertilizer can burn the leaves. Be sure to use mild concentrations of foliar sprays. You would rather spray a mild concentration many times rather than use the concentrated one. Fertilizer packaging also usually comes with directions on it. You can also follow the application directions on the packaging if you are unsure.

The application rate depends on the quality of your soil.  Apply 2 pounds of potassium sulfate per 100 square feet or 2 tablespoons per gallon of water.

What Does Potassium Sulfate Do For Plants?

As we have already stated, potassium sulfate is a source of potassium for plants. Potassium is an essential plant nutrient. Soils normally have an insufficient concentration of this nutrient to support healthy plant growth, so it needs to be supplemented via the addition of fertilizer.

So what does potassium sulfate do for plants when it is present in the soil? The addition of potassium sulfate to the soil will help improve the yield and quality of the plants that you are growing. It does this by positively contributing to essential plant functions such as activating the reactions of enzymes, the synthesis of proteins, the formation of starches and sugars, as well as the regulation of water flow in the leaves and cells. When these plant functions are supported, it sets the plants on a great path to good health and productivity.

Potassium sulfate is also a source of sulfur, another plant nutrient. Sulfur is used by plants to synthesize protein and is also required for enzyme function. Just like potassium, sulfur can too be deficient in soils. This deficiency will lead to inadequate plant growth.

Both the nutrients that plants get from potassium sulfate fertilizer are crucial for the health and well-being of plants. They must be provided with these nutrients in the right concentrations. An excess or lack of one or both of these nutrients will have your plants sick in no time.

How Much Potassium Sulfate Per Gallon?

Knowing the correct application rate of potassium sulfate is very important. Too little can greatly hamper the growth and plants and too much may burn otherwise healthy plants.

If you are doing a soil drench, the recommended dosage is 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Make sure that this solution is evenly mixed before evenly drenching the soil with it.

The recommended dosage for potassium sulfate, if you are going to spray it on the plant leaves, is 1/2-1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Apply with even coverage over the leaves for the best results.

It is vital to know how to use potassium sulfate fertilizer. This is because it is different from other potash fertilizers. Its solubility may be low, and therefore will have different rules of application. To avoid damaging your plants, follow the prescribed application rates.

When Should You Add Potassium Sulfate To Your Garden?

So when should you apply potassium sulfate to your plants in the garden? Is it something to do as often as you irrigate or is there a particular time to do it? As with other nutrients, plants only take up potassium when they are in their active growth stage. On top of that, the soil in which they are planted has to be moist. The soil has to be moist or the potassium sulfate fertilizer has to be applied in liquid form so that the plants can take it up efficiently.

The best time to apply or add potassium sulfate to your plants is from early spring to late summer, which is when plants are in their best growth phase. Adding the fertilizer at the wrong time in the growth cycle of the plants will only result in waste, as it will not be taken up and used efficiently for the intended purposes.

Conclusion

This article provided you with information to help answer the questions that you had about the use of potassium sulfate for plants. Just like the human body, plants also experience a lack of necessary nutrients in the soil. A fertilizer that replenishes the plant’s nutrients is the same as supplements that humans need. Likewise, as you take your supplement today, be sure to check if your plants need some.

Before purchasing fertilizer of any kind for your plants, check whether they are natural or synthetic. Organic potassium for plants is best and will be obtained from natural or organic potash fertilizers.

FAQs