Frequently asked questions

What exactly are humates and fulvates?

Humates and fulvates are organic (humic) acids derived from humus. As plants and animals die, the process of biodegradation begins. Humus is the dark organic material that is left and contains a wide variety of the nutrients needed for soil to be fertile and for plants to grow. Over millions of years, this organic matter is compressed into a dark, coal-like substance. The extraction of humates and fulvates from this substance makes the trace minerals contained in humus available to plants and soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers for plant growth and improving the fertility of soil.

How do humic and fulvic acids work?

Humic and fulvic acids act as chelators, or ‘claw molecules’.
Plants and humans need many different elements, like iron and zinc, to survive. But if you have an iron shortage, you can’t just take some shavings from a metal pole and drink it. Your body will reject it because iron is inorganic and needs another molecule – a chelator – to wrap around it. Once that happens, the iron becomes organically available to your cells.
Humic and fulvic acids are chelators that make otherwise unavailable nutrients available for your plant in the same way.

What is the difference between humic and fulvic acid?

Humic acid functions primarily as a soil conditioner. It attracts nutrients and deposits them around the root zone of your plants.
Fulvic acid attaches to nutrients and, due to the small size of the fulvic acid molecule, is able to carry nutrients to the plant cell’s metabolic centre.

What is a trace element?

Trace elements are essential nutrients plants, animals and people need in very small amounts, like iron or zinc. Because Plant Elixir Humates and Fulvates are derived from a natural source, many of these trace elements are included.

What is Plant Elixir DKP+HA?

Plant Elixir DKP + HA is a mix of dipotassium phosphate (DKP) and humates. The dipotassium phosphate is an effective base fertilizer and a source of phosphorus and potassium, helping plants develop healthy, green stems and strong-developed flowers. Humic Acid aids with nutrient transfer and soil conditioning.

How exactly do I use Plant Elixir products?

Start slow. Add 5ml-10ml to one litre of water. Less is more!
Then simply use once a week as part of the normal watering process. Pour around the plant for uptake in the root zone.
If using both Humates and Fulvates, alternate them weekly for best results.
The younger the plant, the higher the dilution. So for a plant that has just entered its growth phase, start with a 10ml/litre mix and build up towards 40ml/litre as the weeks progress.

Can I combine humates and fulvates with other fertilisers and nutrients?

Yes, you can. Keep and eye on pH values however. It is best to first dilute the humates or fulvates before adding other nutrients. You can also use less of the other nutrients as humates and fulvates will naturally increase absorption.

Can I mix humates and fulvates together?

No, the pH values are too different. Leave 5 – 7 days between applying the two products.

What happens if my PH is too high after using a product?

Dilute our poduct more with water. This can happen with humates because it's a high PH alkaline 10 to 12. Try mix 12ml/15ml to 1L. Fulvates has a low PH acidic 1.5 to 2.

Where are Plant Elixir products made?

Plant Elixir products are made in Mzansi and have been tested in South Africa, California, Germany and India.

Who do I contact if I need advice?

Call or WhatsApp Keith on +27836284242 or email keith@plantelixir.co.za

Where can I read more about humic and fulvic acids?

First read our blog!

Then have a look at these sites:

https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/articles/how-to-use-soil-amendments-humates-humic-acids-and-humus


https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-the-benefits-of-humic-and-fulvic-acids-for-growing-cannabis-n965


https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/humic-fulvic-acids-cannabis/