Measuring EC/TDS in Foliage Focus Fertilizer: Unlocking its Secrets

I measure the electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in Foliage Focus fertilizer, revealing its nutrient content. This simple DIY test is perfect for beginner gardeners.
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✅ VIDEO CONTENTS:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 What I am measuring
01:29 Tools
02:47 Plain Water
04:02 Solutions I will be Testing
04:12 Why Use Half Strength Nutrients?
04:39 Testing Half-Strength Foliage Focus
07:02 Testing Full Strength Foliage Focus
08:40 Testing Clonex Clone Solution
09:57 Final Thoughts
TITLE: Measuring EC/TDS in Foliage Focus Fertilizer: Unlocking its Secrets
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✅ About The Leca Queen :
Nora here! Welcome to The Leca Queen channel.
I love all things indoor PLANTS. I enjoy growing my plants in SOILESS media; yep, no soil! I primarily use LECA (clay balls) to grow my plants using hydroponics (semi-hydroponics).
I show you how my beautiful plants grow in LECA and help you achieve the RESULTS that I have. I cover a TON of leca growing tips, a very comprehensive leca 101 where I hold your hand and help you navigate the world of semi-hydroponics.
I love to experiment and discover different ways of taking care of plants. There is no right or wrong way, just the way that works for you and your plants. Join me on my many plant adventures.
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I hope you enjoy it and subscribe: / @thelecaqueen
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#plantcare #semihydroponics #houseplants #foliagefocus #indoorplants #leca #ecforplants
Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of reading our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your own research.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use
© The Leca Queen

[@loumlefty8760]

I would love another video with more information. I love the Science behind plant growth. Particularly interested in how water temperature impacts both root and foliage growth and nutrient uptake. I have some plants where the pots get a lot of sun in Winter in Melbourne, as a result the nutrient solution in the pots gets warm. The plants seem to continue growing well despite generally cooler air temp. Rinsing between each test is certainly best practice. Love all your videos Nora, thanks for sharing in such an enthusiastic, no nonsense way. You are inspiring.

[@TheLecaQueen]

Thank you so much. I am glad my long distant science classes still remain in some form! I have put your request on my to do list!

[@gg4sons17]

If using her TDS numbers don’t forget to subtract 33. I use a Zero Water filter and TDS reads zero before I put in nutrients so I may get a lower TDS reading. I’ve used General Hydroponics (GH) 3 part system since I started using LECA in 2020. I just bought Foliage Focus to try as well as Clonex and I can’t wait to see how it works in comparison. (Note: I’ve used Rapid Start by GH for rooting. It’s worked really well.)

[@renatecormick7399]

Hi Nora. Thanks for a great video with simple, easy to understand explanations on everything to do with fertilising using FF. I so happy that I’m getting it right and my read I are almost the same as yours. Only difference being my tap water on Gold Coast is between 80 & 90 TDS which is not bad. I always check PH while I’m at it and do a little adjusting down to about 6.5 PH. Thanks again Nora, you’ve given me confidence in growing with Semi Hydro.

[@carolstuff]

Good info; thanks Nora!

[@deborahchetcuti4753]

You are always entertaining in your explainations Nora. I have a giggle while I learn. Melbourne water has done us a favor. I don't know if I'd use leca if it was that complicated. Thank God it really can be very simple. 🥳

[@OMM-kl1zu]

Wow, the science behind fertilizers is very interesting. I use Organic + for all Plants - Nutrient Solution from Bunnings. I have never checked the EC/TDS or Ph levels. Maybe I should look into it, to see how it compares. So far the plants are alive, but will need a full year to see if they thrive. Thank you for another informative video. 😊

[@olegroger1832]

Thats was really interesting! My plain water here in germany has about an EC from about 600😂

[@TheLecaQueen]

wow! That is interesting...

[@AcrylDame]

Wow, your tap water is exceptionally soft. I mix mine with R.O or rain water because it comes already with 800mikroS/cm which is more than ten times the amounts of minerals. IMO if you start with semi hydro it makes sense to get your water analysed. Unfortunately foliage focus is not available where I live. I would love to try it.

[@TheLecaQueen]

Our water really is amazing! And yes, I agree, knowing what kind of water one is working with when growing plants in semi-hydro is a sensible thing to do.

[@lukki7ster]

Wow 33 PPM is amazing. Mine is about 115 or 135 in Canada

[@wayneford4760]

It depends on which conversion factor your meter uses for EC - NaCl, 442, KCl all have different conversions for EC to tds/ppm

[@andrenouri1759]

Love your videos. You are one of the reasons why I have now a division of my home (now called the green room called 'Caparicia') dedicated entirely to semi-hydro. I know you have touched upon this in your previous Q/A videos, but I would really appreciate getting your further feedback on this specific question. I have around 50 T4U self water pots (the ones with the wick, without the gauge) - as my collection has grown, maintaining my nutrients in the reservoir is very time consuming due to bottom watering (i.e., I have to remove inner pot to reach reservoir) - while I have flush days (every 2 weeks), and I wash everything - due to 'life' will it be harmful for the plant if I place the nutrients directly in the LECA when I am in a hurry and not in the reservoir? Forgive the question if it seems silly. Please keep up your wonderful content and hard work.

[@TheLecaQueen]

You are too kind, thank you. I top water my plants all the time. I have not noticed a problem at all.

[@malindarayallen]

Just for future reference, a quarter of a gallon is called a quart. I know our system is super confusing for metric people. But didn't worry too hard about converting, we use both. ❤

[@TheLecaQueen]

Thank you. It really messes with my head honestly!! When I don't convert people ask, damned if I do damned of I don't!!

[@malindarayallen]

@@TheLecaQueen They are grownups. They can Google it.

[@mahdihosseini7135]

There are no ready-made fertilizers in my city and I want to buy chemicals and make fertilizers myself, can you tell me how?

[@TheLecaQueen]

Unfortunately I am not a chemist and so I just do not have that knowledge base.

[@tim_meister]

The PPM of my plain tap water is around 650 ugh. I have a reverse osmosis filter which gets it down to what you get straight from the tap. The city wont do anything about it, they say its safe to drink

[@TheLecaQueen]

We are so lucky here.

[@AcrylDame]

Hard water is correlated with higher life expectancy, so not all bad. But yes, hard water is annoying.

[@moiraslater8526]

How is 5 a nice even number when 7 is odd? Your first grade teacher will be pulling their hair out!! 😂😂😂

[@TheLecaQueen]

😂😢😂😂 I like 5!!! It is nicer than 7!

[@moiraslater8526]

@@TheLecaQueen it is definitely easier to multiply by!!

[@deborahchetcuti4753]

​@@TheLecaQueenI think it's better but for a different reason. I can actually SEE number 5. 😂

[@gg4sons17]

I took it as she meant easier to equate to another measurement. For example 5 ml is = to 1 tsp. When I see 5 ml I use 1 tsp.

[@moiraslater8526]

@@gg4sons17 yes I figured that also. I just found it amusing hearing someone call a '5' a nice even number!!!