Shogun Silicon

Product detailed description

When the flowers start to gain weight, it becomes clear how strong the plant’s structure is. Shogun Silicon is a concentrated potassium silicate - it makes up 25 to 40 % of the bottle contents. It is not a nutrient in the true sense; silicon is not classified as an essential element. It is reinforcement.

What Silicon does

It strengthens cell walls, and therefore stems and leaves that can support heavy flowers, and increases resistance to diseases and pests. Mixed according to the instructions, it creates stable silicic acid in the nutrient solution, dampens pH fluctuations and extends the usability of fertiliser in the solution. The last point will be especially appreciated by hydroponic growers, for whom the pH in the tank commonly drifts.

Mixing: this is where it most often goes wrong

Silicon is not added to the finished nutrient solution as the last ingredient. The procedure is this: first mix the dose in 5 litres of clean water (for example 200 ml of Silicon if you are filling a 200 l tank), shake thoroughly and only then pour it into the tank. Then adjust the pH to approximately 6.5 and only at the end add the base nutrients. The basic dilution is 1 ml per litre at each watering, in coco our dosing chart has 2 ml per litre. It is used throughout the entire cycle and is discontinued about two weeks before harvest so that the final watering is a clean flush.

Who Silicon is worth it for

It is most noticeable where you are pushing plants: in higher temperatures, with plants with heavy flowers or in hydroponics with fluctuating pH. However, it does not replace base nutrition and does not solve calcium and magnesium deficiency - for that Shogun has the CalMag range. Silicon runs alongside the base fertiliser throughout the cycle, in soil, coco and hydroponics, and combines well with Sumo Active Boost or Dragon Force for a strong finish to flowering. At a dose of 1 ml per litre, one litre of concentrate is enough for approximately 1,000 litres of watering; the available sizes range from 250 ml to 25 l.

Frequently asked questions

In what order should Silicon be added?

As the very first ingredient, into clean water - ideally pre-mixed in 5 litres of water. Only then adjust the pH to approximately 6.5 and add the base nutrients. Never pour it into a finished concentrated solution.

How much Silicon should I dose?

The basic dilution is 1 ml per litre at each watering. For coco, our dosing chart has 2 ml per litre. A higher dose is not supported: the figure of 4 ml/l, which appears in the manufacturer’s page header, contradicts its own catalogue and instructions for use.

Do I need to use Silicon at all?

No, you do not; it is not an essential nutrient and the plant will grow without it. It is an insurance policy: a stronger structure and better stress management where you are operating at the limit.

Does it work in soil, or only in hydroponics?

In all systems - in soil, coco and hydroponics. Only the dose differs: the basic rate is 1 ml per litre, coco has 2 ml per litre in our chart.

Exact dosing for individual lines can be found in the Shogun dosing chart.