Nutrients and Additives Guide for Hydroponics & Indoor Growing

Why Plant Nutrients Matter in Hydroponics

In soil, plants naturally draw nutrients from organic matter. But in hydroponics or sterile growing media like clay pebbles, coco coir, or rockwool, every single nutrient must be supplied via your nutrient solution.
Without the right mix — in the right amounts — plants simply can’t thrive. The right feeding plan is key to strong growth, heavy yields, and healthy plants.

💡 Quick tip: When in doubt, feed at half strength to avoid over-fertilisation. Overfeeding can do more harm than underfeeding.

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Essential Nutrient Types

1. Non-Mineral Elements

These are absorbed from air and water — you don’t need to add them:

• Carbon (C)
• Hydrogen (H)
• Oxygen (O)

2. Macronutrients (Needed in Large Amounts)

• Nitrogen (N) – promotes leafy, green vegetative growth
• Phosphorus (P) – supports flowering, fruiting, and root development
• Potassium (K) – boosts plant strength, sugar production, and overall health
• Calcium (Ca) – builds strong cell walls and aids nutrient transport
• Magnesium (Mg) – part of chlorophyll, key for photosynthesis
• Sulphur (S) – assists protein production and acts as a natural fungicide
• Silicon (Si) – strengthens plant structure and resistance (beneficial but not essential)

3. Micronutrients (Needed in Small Amounts)

• Iron (Fe) – essential for chlorophyll production
• Boron (B) – aids cell wall formation and sugar transport
• Copper (Cu) – supports photosynthesis and enzyme activity
• Manganese (Mn) – helps chloroplast production
• Molybdenum (Mo) – assists in nitrogen processing
• Zinc (Zn) – supports enzyme function and hormone production
• Sodium (Na) – sometimes beneficial for photosynthesis

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Recognising Nutrient Deficiencies

If your plants are lacking a specific nutrient, you can often see it in their leaves and growth patterns.

• Nitrogen deficiency – yellowing leaves, stunted growth
• Phosphorus deficiency – dark green or purple leaves, slow growth
• Potassium deficiency – brown spots, leaf curling, weak stems
• Magnesium deficiency – yellowing between leaf veins
• Calcium deficiency – distorted new growth, curled leaves
• Iron deficiency – yellow or white new leaves with green veins

📌 Related products:
EC & CF Meters – measure nutrient strength
pH Meters – ensure optimal nutrient uptake
Nutrient Solutions – complete feeds for all growth stages

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Choosing the Right Nutrients

When selecting nutrients, consider:

Growth Stage

• Grow formulations: higher nitrogen for vegetative growth
• Bloom formulations: more phosphorus and potassium for flowering & fruiting

Growing Medium

• Soil nutrients – formulated for natural buffering
• Coco nutrients – balanced for coco coir’s unique properties
• Hydroponic nutrients – pure and highly available for water-based growing

Water Type

• Hard water nutrients – adjusted to prevent mineral buildup
• Soft water nutrients – add missing calcium and magnesium

Organic vs Inorganic

• Organic nutrients – derived from plant/animal sources; release nutrients slowly
• Inorganic nutrients – purified mineral salts; instantly available to plants

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Additives & Boosters

Alongside your base nutrient, additives can maximise yield and plant health:

• PK Boosters – increase phosphorus & potassium during bloom for bigger flowers/fruits
• Root Stimulants – encourage rapid root development
• Enzyme Products – break down dead root matter for improved nutrient uptake
• Silicon Supplements – strengthen stems and boost disease resistance
• Bloom Stimulants – increase energy and productivity in flowering plants

📌 Shop our range:
Plant Additives & Boosters | Root Stimulants | PK Boosters

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Feeding Tips for Hydroponics

1. Start low, go slow – avoid nutrient burn by underfeeding at first.
2. Use an EC meter – measure nutrient concentration accurately.
3. Monitor pH daily – nutrient availability changes with pH shifts.
4. Flush between stages – prevents salt build-up and resets the root zone.
5. Mix properly – dissolve nutrients fully before adjusting pH.

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Recommended Nutrient Brands

We only stock proven, grower-approved brands for all growing styles and budgets:

• Growth Technology Ionic – easy-to-use, single-part feed
• Mills Nutrients – premium multi-part system for maximum control
• Remo Nutrients – high-performance blends for serious growers

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Final Word

The right nutrients make all the difference in hydroponics. By understanding your plants’ needs and matching them with the right base nutrients, additives, and monitoring tools, you’ll set yourself up for healthier growth and heavier yields.

📌 Shop now: Hydroponic Nutrients | Additives & Boosters | pH Control | EC Metersts to your plants. For example, solutions containing high numbers of specific enzymes can be used to break down dead root material to provide extra nutrition for your plants, more aeration for your roots, and allowing for more efficient uptake of vital nutrients.