“Without Ca-Mg-Fe the growth would stall and there were all types of foliar issues like twisting and dead spots. Now our plants are fully lush all the way through!”

“With our hard water we were regularly having problems. First there were foliar symptoms and then diseases and pests would take over… The Ca-Mg-Fe has really helped to keep our plants strong with consistent weight and crop speed”

When using FloraMax, do I need a “cal-mag”?  No, the FloraMax line is designed to eliminate the requirement for additional “cal-mag” additives as its built into our base nutrients and Flowering Enhancer product.  Over hundreds of test grows during the development phase there was never any need for a dedicated cal-mag additive. Furthermore, use of additional “cal-mag” may result in excessive calcium precipitate leading to clogged lines or build-up in the reservoir.

Why then does FloraMax manufacture a “cal-mag”?  To address the deficiencies found in competing brands.  We are committed to helping growers achieve their best results regardless of the nutrient regime they follow, our Ca-Mg-Fe product is ideal for use with other regimes.

Nutrient deficiencies? Over 90% of the “alleged” deficiency incidents that we have responded to (with FloraMax), the grower has not followed the chart. For example, the plants are in week-4 veg but are still being fed the week-2 veg schedule. Why? Sometimes growers are hesitant to advance the schedule to successive weeks. High pH and humidity, and under-watering are other common causes.  If this is not the case and the nutrient solution is in fact truly deficient under the given conditions, employ Ca-Mg-Fe at 0.5ml/L (2ml/Gal). If that fails to fix the problem within 1-week, increase its usage rate to 1ml/L (4ml/Gal). If that fails then the issue is probably not due to cal-mag or trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mo or B).

NOTE: If the nutrient solution is deficient, Ca-Mg-Fe is the most effective way of rectifying the issue. Increasing EC by increasing the base nutrient dose is a common remedy, however, the most likely elements to be deficient in ‘most’ nutrient solutions are those contained within Ca-Mg-Fe – and is therefore why we recommend it for this purpose.

Can cal-mag additives or base nutrients be used as foliar sprays?  These are NOT recommended for use as foliar sprays.  Firstly, the calcium in cal-mag additives (and base nutrients) will cause white staining on the surface of foliage.  During daylight (lights-on), this can hinder photosynthesis and cause burning of foliage (aka “necrosis”).  Also, the nutrient species used in cal-mags or base nutrients are not ideally suited for uptake via stomata.  For maximum uptake and efficacy, it is best to use a specialized foliar spray such as FloraMax Clone Spray.  This can be used for seedlings and clones, then throughout veg and in early bloom through to about week 3 or 4 – but generally not later than this.  The ingredients in Clone Spray are designed for maximum uptake via stomata and will impart the necessary benefits desired from a foliar spray e.g. improved foliage growth, increased number and quality of bud sites, improved plant structure and increased root mass.

Monitor plants closely for symptoms of nutrient deficiency. These symptoms can provide a valuable forewarning of serious problems within the growing system. Be aware that there are many factors that cause nutrient deficiency symptoms in a plant. The nutrient itself is usually not the cause.

Deficiency symptoms are grouped into several categories:

1. Stunting of growth:  As all “essential” nutrients are simultaneously required for healthy growth, this symptom can be attributed to a deficiency in any one or more of them.

2. Chlorosis & interveinal chlorosis:  Chlorosis can result in the whole plant or leaf turning light green or yellow. It can also be more localized. For example, yellowing of the veins themselves or between the veins (“interveinal chlorosis”). Chlorosis occurs due to plants being deficient in elements required for photosynthesis or chlorophyll production.

3. Purple / red discoloration: This often occurs on stems or along leaf petioles, veins or margins. It occurs due to abnormal levels of anthocyanin that accumulates when plants are stressed. These symptoms can also be caused by physical stresses such as cold, drought and disease.

4. Necrosis:  Generally happens in the later stages of deficiency where the affected plant part becomes stressed to the point that it becomes brown and dies.

5. Other:  Further symptoms include:

• Poor quality (or few) buds, flowers or fruit.
• Poor root development.
• Distorted leaves i.e. cupped or twisted.

Old or young growth

A key indicator for identifying nutrient deficiency is whether the symptoms are occurring in older growth, younger growth, or both.

Mobile elements are able to move out of older leaves and into younger plant parts when a deficiency is present. Hence the symptoms usually occur first in the older (usually lower) leaves. Mobile elements include N, P, K and Mg (see diagnostic flow chart).

In contrast, immobile nutrients are not able to move quickly from one plant part to another. Therefore, deficiency symptoms are initially most obvious in younger growth (usually higher up the plant). Immobile nutrients include Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B (see diagnostic flow chart).

What causes deficiency symptoms

The appearance of foliar deficiency symptoms often causes inexperienced growers to conclude that the nutrient solution is deficient in a particular element. However, if a ‘complete’ nutrient formulation is being used, check the following before settling on this conclusion:

• Insufficient EC or feed frequency.
• In recirculating hydroponic systems, the nutrient is discarded too infrequently.
• Inappropriate nutrient pH: Causes certain nutrient elements to become unavailable for uptake.
• Excessive humidity: Hinders the distribution of nutrient throughout the plant.
• Signs of pests or diseases: Their presence can produce symptoms that are similar in appearance to nutrient deficiency symptoms.

For more see page 67 of the FloraMax Hydroponics Manual.