What Are Plant Nutrients or Fertilizers?

Fertilizers provide plants with essential best cannabis nutrients necessary for growth and health. A requirement for all living things, plants need essential nutrients to thrive. Soil naturally contains many of the minerals and organic elements necessary for healthy plant growth. With the popularity of indoor growing and hydroponics, the demand for plant nutrients has blossomed.

Macro and Micro Nutrients

Minerals and other organic compounds necessary for plant growth can be classified as macronutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.

Nutrient Guide:

The eighteen elements required for healthy plants are: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), cobalt (Co) nickel (Ni).

Macronutrients: used in high quantities by the plant:

• Structural nutrients: C, H, O
• Primary nutrients: N, P, K
• Secondary nutrients: Ca, Mg, S

Micronutrients: used in smaller quantities by the plant:

• Fe, B, Cu, Cl, Mn, Mo, Zn, Co, Ni

Plants require eighteen nutrients to grow and develop ideally. Plants use carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) for their structure which are obtained from the air (CO2) and water (H2O). These transform into carbohydrates such as sugars and starch, which provide the strength for stems, cell walls and leaves, and sources of energy for the plant.

The principal nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These elements contribute to plant nutrient content, a function of plant enzymes and biochemical processes, and assist with the integrity of plant cells. Any deficiency of these nutrients contributes to reduced plant health and yield and are, therefore, essential nutrients.

The secondary nutrients include calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). The final crucial elements are used in small quantities by the plant but are necessary for plant survival. These micronutrients include iron (Fe), boron (B), copper (Cu), chlorine (Cl), Manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni).

Commercial Grade Nutrients For Cannabis

While there are hundreds of popular nutrient brands, the majority are used by home or hobby growers. There are only a few companies that specialize in commercial quality, water-soluble nutrients. Read below to get growing.