CYCO Silica is a potassium-silicate plant additive with a guaranteed analysis of 3% Soluble Potash (K2O) and 3% Silicon (Si), both derived from Potassium Silicate. The maker’s directions are to add 1-2 ml per litre in the nutrient tank. Silica is used as a supplemental source of soluble silicon; in peer-reviewed plant science silica (SiO2) promotes strengthening of the cell walls and provides increased mechanical support to the aerial parts of the plant. This page gives the maker’s published analysis and dose rate, explains where a silicon supplement fits, and is honest about the specs CYCO does not publish. It is a liquid additive, not a standalone base nutrient.
What it is
CYCO Silica is part of CYCO’s Platinum Series, a supplemental additive that supplies plant-available silicon. The maker states its guaranteed analysis is 3% Soluble Potash (K2O) and 3% Silicon (Si), both derived from Potassium Silicate. CYCO says that when growing in hydroponic mediums, silica is essential. This listing is the 5 gallon catalog size, supplied as the “1/CS” distributor pack code (the maker and carrying retailers publish this product in litre sizes, so the 5-gallon container is disclosed as held below).
Guaranteed analysis and specifications
| Soluble Potash (K2O) | 3% |
|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 3% |
| Derived from | Potassium Silicate |
| Application rate | 1-2 ml per litre in the nutrient tank |
| Form | Liquid additive / supplement |
| Size (this listing) | 5 gallon — maker/retailer confirmation held (see Honest fit) |
| Pack code (this listing) | “1/CS” distributor pack code — the unit count it maps to is held |
The analysis carries only potassium and silicon; CYCO does not publish a nitrogen or phosphate figure for this additive, and it is not a complete base nutrient. The two guaranteed figures are equal on paper — 3% K2O and 3% Si — because the silicon is delivered as potassium silicate, which contributes both elements to the solution. That is why a silicon product also shows a modest potassium value rather than a silicon figure alone.
How silicon supports the plant
Silicon is taken up from solution and deposited in plant tissue. The structural benefit that growers are after is documented in peer-reviewed plant science: silica (SiO2) promotes strengthening of the cell walls and provides increased mechanical support to the aerial parts of the plant. In practical terms that is the reasoning behind adding a silicon source to a feed for sturdier stems, stalks, and leaves — the tissue that has to hold up a heavy canopy or fruit load. CYCO frames the same idea from the grower’s side, asking whether plant stems are strong enough to support full fruit, and states that when growing in hydroponic mediums, silica is essential. A silicon supplement is not a substitute for a balanced feed; it is an add-on that targets structure rather than supplying the bulk nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium a crop lives on.
Why choose it
- Soluble silicon source. The 3% Silicon (Si) is supplied as Potassium Silicate, a soluble form that can be added to a reservoir.
- Structural benefit is well documented. In peer-reviewed plant science, silica (SiO2) promotes strengthening of the cell walls and provides increased mechanical support to the aerial parts, which is the mechanism behind silicon’s use for stem and stalk rigidity.
- Maker-stated benefits. CYCO lists greater tolerance to environmental stresses and improved growth rate among the reasons growers use the product.
- Simple dose. A single label rate of 1-2 ml per litre keeps it easy to fold into an existing feed schedule.
Best uses
- Silicon supplementation in hydroponics. CYCO frames it as an additive for growing in hydroponic mediums, where silica is essential.
- Support for heavy, fruit-bearing plants. CYCO poses the question of whether plant stems are strong enough to support full fruit, the use case for a silicon additive.
- Larger operations. The 5-gallon catalog size suits growers who dose silicon across a big reservoir volume rather than buying repeated small bottles.
Compatibility and dosing
Add CYCO Silica to the nutrient reservoir at the maker’s rate of 1-2 ml per litre in the nutrient tank. Because potassium silicate is alkaline, growers typically add silica to water first and check the solution before adding other nutrients; CYCO’s directions note to test pH and TDS and adjust to normal levels if needed. The maker states its ingredients are of analytical, pharmaceutical, technical, or food grade.
Comparison
| Attribute | CYCO Silica | Typical Cal-Mag / seaweed additive |
|---|---|---|
| Primary nutrient | 3% Silicon (Si) + 3% K2O | Calcium/magnesium or kelp-derived nutrients |
| Main role | Structural silicon supplement | Corrects Ca/Mg deficiency or supplies growth compounds |
| Reservoir dose | 1-2 ml per litre | Varies by product |
Where it fits
For other supplements and boosters, browse the growth & bloom boosters category. Related additives growers often run alongside a silicon supplement include:
- Athena Cal Mag – 1 gal — a calcium/magnesium supplement that pairs with a silicon additive.
- General Organics CaMg+ Calcium Magnesium Supplement — another cal-mag option for the reservoir.
- Maxicrop Soluble Seaweed Powder — a kelp-derived growth supplement.
- Earth Juice Hi-Brix Molasses for Plants — a carbohydrate additive for the bloom stage.
Frequently asked questions
What is in CYCO Silica? The maker’s guaranteed analysis is 3% Soluble Potash (K2O) and 3% Silicon (Si), from Potassium Silicate.
How much do I use? The maker’s rate is 1-2 ml per litre in the nutrient tank.
Why use silicon at all? In peer-reviewed plant science, silica (SiO2) promotes strengthening of the cell walls and provides increased mechanical support to the aerial parts.
Who this is for — and who should skip it
Suited: growers who want to add a soluble silicon source to a hydroponic or reservoir feed to support stem and stalk strength, dosed at the maker’s 1-2 ml per litre rate alongside a complete base nutrient.
Not for / its limits: it is a single-purpose additive, not a base feed — it supplies only 3% Silicon and 3% potash, with no nitrogen or phosphate, so it cannot feed a crop on its own.
HELD (not stated because not sourced): a maker or carrying-retailer confirmation of the 5-gallon container size (CYCO and carrying retailers publish this product in litre sizes — 1, 5, and 20 L — so the 5-gallon catalog listing could not be corroborated on the sources read); the exact unit count behind the “1/CS” pack code; the SiO2 percentage, specific gravity, and product pH; any nitrogen or phosphate figure (the analysis carries only K2O and Si); micronutrient content; OMRI or organic certification status; the maker SKU / part number; shelf life; the warranty term (held per policy); and the live retail price (the storefront price field is the source of truth at deploy).
Ready to strengthen your plants? Add to cart, or talk to a grower about fitting a silicon additive into your feed schedule.
Sources
- CYCO (cycoflower.com) — Platinum Series Silica maker product page (HTTP 200 via WAF-immune fetch, retrieved 2026-07-08; PRIMARY source): guaranteed analysis Soluble Potash (K2O) 3% and Silicon (Si) 3%, derived from Potassium Silicate; application rate “add solution 1-2 ml per litre in nutrient tank, test PH and TDS”; ingredients of analytical, pharmaceutical, technical, or food grade; maker benefit claims (greater tolerance to environmental stresses, improved growth rate): https://cycoflower.com/silica/
- Mandlik et al., “Silicon and the Plant Extracellular Matrix,” Frontiers in Plant Science, 2016 (peer-reviewed; PMC open mirror, HTTP 200, retrieved 2026-07-08; MECHANISM): “In plants SiO2 promotes strengthening of the cell walls and provides increased mechanical support to the aerial parts”: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4828433/
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