What Is Foliar Feeding?

Foliar feeding is a highly effective way to supply nutrients to plants. This is done by spraying soluble minerals as a fine mist on the leaves. With foliar feeding, nutrients are absorbed more effectively than with soil-administered fertilizing. Studies show that foliar feeding results in 8 to 20 times more absorption, avoiding problems sometimes encountered with root absorption. Relying solely on fertilizing the soil can still be inhibited by compaction of the soil, nutrient tie-ups, or even leaching of nutrients. 

Foliar feeding is the best way to get healthy results. Here's how it works:

Nutrients are absorbed by the plant's stomata. Stomata are openings in the leaves, almost like sweat glands in human skin. Stomata are also present on the stalks and stem of the plant, and they can absorb nutrients even in the dormant winter season when leaves have fallen off.

Shin Nong PRO ORGANIC foliar feeding spray contains 17 different natural minerals, all of which are essential nutrients for the plant. These specially formulated soluble minerals can maximize microorganism activities. It also strengthens the basic fertility functions, and encourages fruit formation. Our formula relieves plant stress when there is an insect or weather-related stress, prevents leaching of minerals during rain and helps with increased resistance to insects and diseases by increasing the Brix* count.

For the best results, please keep these in mind.

• Foliar feeding should be done in the early morning or late evening, and in temperatures below 75°F (24°C), since heat causes leaves’ pores (stomata) too close.

• The underside of the leaves has more stomata because less evaporation will take place in the cooler, shady underside. This means that it is important to also spray the undersides of the leaves, not just the top.

• Clones and plants in the vegetative stage will greatly benefit from foliar feeding. Since clones have no roots, the foliar sprays will extremely benefit the rooting process.

• It is recommended to avoid using foliar sprays during the flowering stage. Spraying flowers will increase their chance of developing mold or mildew. If you need to spray during the flowering stage, it is important to keep the lights off/temperature down and to keep an eye on your flowers.

• Plants absorb nutrients through the bottom of the leaf much quicker than they do through the roots and stem.

• Foliar sprays are typically less concentrated than soil fertilizers.

• Fertilizers applied via foliar sprays are more effective and faster than when it is applied to the soil. However, foliar sprays are only short-term solutions for stressed plants. It’s important to remember to also pH and test the ppm of your soil runoff to determine the health of your soil and to make the appropriate changes to your reservoir/feedings.