Welcome to the FAQ page of Aptus Holland, where we provide answers to commonly asked questions about our products.
"Organo-mineral" refers to minerals that have been extracted from the earth and processed using natural methods approved for organic farming. While pure minerals are not organic as they lack a carbon atom, when these minerals are chelated in organic L-amino acids through specific natural processes, they are referred to as organo-mineral. It is a combination of natural mineral components and organic chelation.
While many bloom boosters primarily focus on providing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) supplements, Topbooster takes a different approach. It emphasizes plant and microbial bio-stimulation rather than relying solely on high levels of P and K. If you require additional P and K supplementation, we recommend using our separate products, P-Boost and K-Boost.
Yes, it is recommended to use Regulator at every feeding. Silicon, present in Regulator, is deposited in the plant's cell membrane and remains there throughout its life. By maintaining a continuous supply of Regulator, you strengthen the newly formed cells and support overall plant health.
Startbooster contains spore-form bacteria that become active when mixed with water. These bacteria are efficient in producing a biofilm or slime, which is beneficial for stabilizing the soil and offering protection. However, in a recirculating nutrient tank, the biofilm can cause complications and potential degradation due to various environmental factors like temperature, aeration, nutrients, and contaminants. It is best to avoid leaving Startbooster in the tank for extended periods to prevent any adverse effects on the nutrient mix.
In most cases, growers using coco achieve good results with the recommended dosage of CaMg-Boost. However, depending on the base fertilizer you use, supplementing with CaMg-Boost earlier in the vegetative phase may be beneficial. Each situation can vary, so monitoring your plants and adjusting the dosage accordingly is recommended.
P-Boost has lower phosphorus levels compared to many other products on the market. The reason behind this is that the minerals in P-Boost are organically chelated, making them 100% bioavailable and resistant to antagonism and lockout. As a result, you need less input overall, saving both money and reducing environmental impact.
No, it is not possible to overdose on Startbooster. Startbooster is 100% organic and does not contain any substances that can burn or harm your plants. Even if you were to use a higher dosage than recommended, the worst-case scenario would be a temporary imbalance in the soil due to excess organic acids, which may over-chelate minerals but not readily release them to the plant.
Sulfur is a secondary element essential for various biological processes within a plant. In healthy soils, sulfur is typically present in sufficient amounts, making supplementation unnecessary. Other boosters may have minimal or moderate sulfur levels. However, in K-Boost, we ensure that sulfur is bioavailable and readily absorbed by the plant when needed.
Enzym+ contains enzymes that break down salts, and they are even more active in a solution compared to soil. If left with nutrients for an extended period, complex chemical interactions can occur, degrading the nutrient solution and potentially affecting nutrient availability. To maintain the quality and availability of nutrients, it is best not to leave Enzym+ in the reservoir for too long.
All-in-One Pellets provide sufficient base nutrition on their own, so you usually won't need additional NPK fertilizers. However, if you want to further increase bulk and yield, you can supplement with Aptus boosters. These boosters are specifically formulated to maximize the plant's genetic potential and can be used in conjunction with All-in-One Pellets.
All-in-One Liquid does not contain ballast salts or chlorides that are present in many other nutrients. These ballast salts and chlorides contribute to the EC reading, even though they are not the essential nutrients the plant requires. As All-in-One Liquid omits these additives, it is recommended to keep your EC levels 20-30% lower than what you would typically use with other nutrient brands.
Reusing your growing medium is possible and can be beneficial. By reusing the medium, you allow Aptus products to establish a balanced and thriving ecosystem within it. Toward the end of the cycle, introducing additional carbon through humic and amino acids can enhance the medium's structure, supporting micro-life. Using ENZYM+ helps break down any dead organic material and residual mineral salts. However, if your medium has issues with pests, pathogens, or other problems, it is not recommended to reuse it. Ensure a healthy and balanced growing environment before considering reusing the medium.
Yes, Aptus products are designed to stimulate and support micro-life in the substrate. The formulations of Aptus products take into account the importance of micro-life, and they either contain beneficial microorganisms or provide stimulation for existing microorganisms.
Yes, we do! Our RO Water Conditioner is specifically formulated to treat Reverse Osmosis and soft water. It contains a calcium buffer that helps stabilize the water's pH, ensuring proper nutrient uptake by your plants. Give it a try and observe the difference it makes in your reservoir.
While it is theoretically possible to create imbalances or overstimulate certain aspects with very high doses of Topbooster, using Topbooster at multiple times the recommended dosage should not cause any problems. Topbooster is 100% organic and has a natural effect on plants and the growing medium.
If your plant is stretching excessively, Aptus Regulator can help. Doubling the recommended dosage of Regulator (1.5ml/10L) can limit vertical growth and promote bushier growth, particularly during the weeks when stretching is most likely to occur. Additionally, it's important to evaluate other factors that may contribute to excessive stretching, such as lighting conditions and genetics.
L-amino acids can be found in several Aptus products, including Startbooster, Topbooster, Super-PK, N-Boost, P-Boost, K-Boost, CaMg-Boost, Fulvic-Blast, Humic-Blast, Micromix Soil, and All-in-One Pellet. L-amino acids serve as excellent chelators, making other nutrients more plant-available. They also provide organic nitrogen, supporting controlled growth and stronger cell walls. L-amino acids are involved in various plant processes, allowing plants to allocate more energy to higher-level functions such as producing oils, resins, and terpenes.
Aptus products already contain high concentrations of specific micro-life in their formulations. If you are using soil or coco-peat as a growing medium, initial inoculation of microbes is generally sufficient. However, when using rockwool, which has lower micro-life retention, it may be beneficial to reintroduce beneficial microbes. Aptus products like Startbooster, Micromix Drip & Soil, and Mycor Mix contain high populations of beneficial bacteria, and using them along with Aptus boosters ensures the presence and stimulation of micro-life.
Many commercially available P/K bloom boosters are chemically processed salts that may not be in the ideal form for plant absorption. These high levels of phosphorus and potassium can create imbalances and antagonism with other essential bloom nutrients like calcium and iron. Aptus offers separate products, P-Boost (phosphorus) and K-Boost (potassium and sulfur), which provide ideal levels of bloom-enhancing minerals that are organically chelated in L-amino acids. These bioavailable minerals support plant growth without causing imbalances.
Adding additional sugars, such as molasses, to your nutrient mix is not directly beneficial for plants. Plants mainly absorb sugars they produce through photosynthesis for energy and other internal processes. Additional sugars are primarily used by beneficial microbes in the substrate, enhancing mineralization. Aptus products like TOPBOOSTER and ENZYM+ contain high-quality polysaccharides, which serve as food for beneficial microbes. Therefore, additional sugars are generally unnecessary.
Aptus products are highly concentrated, containing no added water to dilute the active ingredients. This concentration is achieved by using plant-available L-amino acids instead of expensive water. The absence of water means you are paying for the active material that plants utilize to build themselves, resulting in cost savings. Aptus also prioritizes the use of pure sources of ingredients, which are produced under Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) to ensure purity and consistency. These high-quality ingredients, combined with precise manufacturing methods, contribute to the effectiveness and concentration of Aptus products.
Aptus boosters are highly concentrated and do not contain added water. This means you need smaller doses compared to other products on the market. The bioavailability and balance of nutrients in Aptus products allow plants to efficiently utilize and absorb the nutrients, reducing the overall amount needed for optimal plant growth.
Determining the exact PPM/EC levels depends on various factors such as the growing medium, plant strain, light levels, temperature, and water source. Generally, Aptus boosters have a minimal effect on PPM/EC levels due to their organic ingredients. Most of the EC will come from the base NPK fertilizer you use. It is advisable to follow the usage instructions on the bottle or the feed schedule provided by the base NPK manufacturer. When starting with young plants, it is recommended to start with lower base NPK levels and observe how the plants respond. Balancing nutrients and maintaining a slightly lower EC can be more important than aiming for high levels.
Aptus products may offer benefits even if you are already achieving excellent results. Each grower faces unique challenges and goals. Aptus can save you money by using highly concentrated products and may address issues such as deficiencies, plant health, pest resistance, and improved flavor. Trying Aptus and evaluating the results allows you to experience the potential improvements it can bring to your specific setup.
Aptus plant nutrition originated in large-scale commercial agriculture, where results and investments are critical. Aptus focused on replicating natural soil and plant processes by formulating minerals in the proper balance and bioavailability for optimized uptake, internal transport, and utilization. Aptus collaborates with universities and researchers, analyzing thousands of plant tissue and soil samples to refine their nutrient formulations. Aptus utilizes unique and patented technologies that mimic natural processes, resulting in an innovative approach to plant nutrition.
Tip burn can occur due to chemical fertilizer salts dehydrating the cells at the growing tips of plant leaves, leading to stress and burn. If you are following the Aptus feed schedule, burning is unlikely. However, high levels of the base nutrient can contribute to tip burn. Adjusting the EC/PPM levels by lowering the base nutrient dosage can help alleviate the issue. Additionally, in some cases, CaMg-Boost may cause tip burn in younger plants, especially if your base nutrient also contains nitrates and other salts. Adjusting the CaMg-Boost dosage may be necessary.
It is important to maintain the proper pH level in your feed water for your specific growing medium. Some Aptus boosters may slightly raise or lower the pH due to their organic compounds and other ingredients. P-Boost, for example, contains organic acids and can act as a pH down solution while providing bioavailable phosphorus and L-amino acids. Super-PK can have an opposite effect and act as a pH up solution. Regulator has a minor pH-lowering effect in RO water. CaMg-Boost and K-Boost may have a slight pH-raising effect. If your pH is outside the desired range after fully mixing your feed water, it is advisable to use mild pH adjustment solutions to avoid harsh impacts on micro-life.
Flushing is not always necessary or recommended when using Aptus products. Aptus provides balanced nutrition and avoids excessive salt buildup. Flushing is typically performed to remove built-up salts that can affect flavor and quality. However, with Aptus, a proper balance of nutrients and reduced need for excessive feeding minimizes the need for flushing. While occasional watering with plain water can provide a rest period for the soil and plants, flushing is generally considered unnecessary. Some growers stop using the base fertilizer a couple of weeks before harvest while continuing with Aptus boosters, resulting in enhanced yield and quality without compromising flavor.
If the pH of your substrate has dropped, Aptus offers two products to address this issue: Substrate Buffer Powder and Substrate Buffer Liquid. The powder needs to be mixed into the substrate, while the liquid can be mixed with water and poured over the substrate. The Substrate Buffer Liquid provides more flexibility as it can be applied at any stage of the growth cycle, even when plants are still in pots. Both products help stabilize the pH and correct acidity in the substrate.
Yes, you can use All-in-One Pellets indoors. These pellets provide a complete and steady supply of nutrition for your plants when mixed with the substrate. They can serve as a substitute for other base nutrients, providing all the essential elements necessary for growth and development. All-in-One Pellets are easy to use, requiring you to add them to your soil or growing medium. They release nutrients gradually over a period of 10-12 weeks. While All-in-One Pellets can be used as the sole nutrition source, you can also combine them with Aptus boosters to further enhance your plants' genetic potential.
Aptus Regulator can help plants cope with high temperatures. The mono-silicic acid in Regulator provides protection against extreme weather conditions like heat. By using the recommended dosage, Regulator can assist in managing the adverse effects of heat stress on plants. Additionally, you can take measures to stabilize the room temperature, such as increasing air exchange, adjusting humidity levels, dimming or turning off lights, or employing other cooling techniques suited to your specific situation. For more guidance, you can reach out to Aptus for additional tips.
Mixing P-Boost and CaMg-Boost together can result in the formation of calcium-phosphate bonds, rendering both nutrients unavailable to the plant. While this interaction is less prominent with Aptus P-Boost, it is advisable to thoroughly mix the solution before adding CaMg-Boost to minimize the formation of calcium-phosphate bonds.
