Best Hydroponic Nutrients & Additives of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Hydroponic nutrients and additives are essential for growing healthy and thriving plants without soil. They consist of a range of minerals and nutrients that are specifically formulated to provide plants with the optimal balance of nutrients they need to grow. These hydroponic nutrients are typically added to the water in the hydroponic system, ensuring that plants receive all the essential nutrients they require for healthy growth. Additionally, hydroponic additives can be used to boost plant growth, improve flavor and aroma, and increase yields. From vegetative growth to flowering and fruiting stages, hydroponic nutrients and additives play a crucial role in the success of any hydroponic garden.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Microbe Life Hydroponics Additive Kit Cover #TOP 1
Microbe Life Hydroponics Additive Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6 Nutrient Mix Cover #TOP 2
General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6 Nutrient Mix
ftb score rating icon 9.7
GH Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer Cover #TOP 3
GH Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hydroponic Nutrients & Additives

#TOP 1

Microbe Life Hydroponics Additive Kit

PHRPCB
Multicolor
Nutrients Bundle
Microbe Life Hydroponics Additive Kit Cover
Microbe Life Hydroponics Additive Kit, Includes One 16-Ounce Bottle Each of Photosynthesis Plus, Foliar Spray & Root Dip, and Vegetable and Fruit Yield Enhancer, Use with Any Feeding Systems

The Microbe Life Additive Kit is designed to enhance your plant growth significantly. The Photosynthesis Plus boosts your plants' ability to convert light into energy, leading to better yields. The Foliar Spray & Root Dip is perfect for nurturing seedlings and transplanting, ensuring robust root development while protecting against harmful pathogens. Additionally, the Vegetable & Fruit Yield Enhancer helps your plants absorb nutrients more effectively, resulting in larger and healthier produce. By following the recommended dosages, you can accelerate growth and create more vigorous plants, making this kit a valuable addition to any gardening setup.

What We Like
Effective plant growth enhancement
Strong beneficial bacteria presence
Good value for price
Rapid plant health improvement
Positive plant response
What We Don't Like
Strong odor when mixing
Cloudy appearance reported
#TOP 2

General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6 Nutrient Mix

GH1422
Green
1 quart
General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6 Nutrient Mix Cover
General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6, Use With FloraMicro & FloraBloom, Provides Nutrients For Structural & Foliar Growth, Ideal For Hydroponics, 1-Quart

General Hydroponics FloraGro 2-1-6 is a nutrient mix that provides nutrients for structural and foliar growth. It is ideal for hydroponic applications and can be combined with FloraMicro and FloraBloom to create a nutrient mix tailored to the specific phase of growth of your plants. Always add FloraMicro to fresh water first, stir well, then add FloraGro and/or FloraBloom to ensure the best results. With an N-P-K of 2-1-6, this nutrient mix is also suitable as a nutrient supplement for potted plants.

What We Like
Flexible nutrient adjustments
Fast growth and healthy plants
Multiple application methods
High-quality ingredients
Long-lasting product
What We Don't Like
Initial cost may seem high
Requires careful dosing
#TOP 3

GH Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer

GL56718045ABC
1 gallon
GH Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer Cover
General Hydroponics Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer, 1 gallon each, Pack of 3

General Hydroponics Flora Combo Fertilizer is the original nutrient system that provides a complete set of primary, secondary, and micro nutrients for your plants. Whether you are growing hydroponically or in soil, this fertilizer can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of your plants, enhancing their flavor, nutrition, aroma, and essential oils. The highly purified concentrates ensure maximum solubility, making it easy to use. The pH-balanced formula adds to the convenience, while the endorsement by NASA and Antarctic research scientists speaks to its superior formulation and reliability. With General Hydroponics Flora Combo Fertilizer, you can expect enhanced yields and better crop quality.

What We Like
High yields
Easy to use
Works well in hydroponics
Consistent results
Effective for various plants
What We Don't Like
Potential pH issues with silica
Requires additional potash during flowering
#TOP 4

Farmer's Secret Hydroponic Booster 4-11-8

FSHydroParent
Farmer's Secret Hydroponic Booster 4-11-8 Cover
Farmer's Secret Hydroponic Booster Fertilizer - Super Concentrated 4-11-8 Formula - Use with Any Hydroponic or Aeroponic System - Great for Herbs, Veggies, Fruits, and More (8oz)

Farmer's Secret Hydroponic Booster is designed to enhance your hydroponic gardening experience. This super concentrated formula allows you to achieve higher yields with just a small amount of product, making it both effective and economical. You can easily incorporate it into your routine by diluting it weekly, ensuring your plants receive consistent nourishment. Whether you choose to add it directly to your reservoir, spray it on the leaves, or use a combination of both methods, this versatile fertilizer caters to your gardening needs, helping you grow a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits with confidence.

What We Like
Easy to use
Highly concentrated
Effective for various plants
Long-lasting supply
Economical for hydroponics
What We Don't Like
Needs careful dosage
Possible film on water
#TOP 5

VIVOSUN Nutrients Base A & B Bundle

NB-001
White
32 Ounce
VIVOSUN Nutrients Base A & B Bundle Cover
VIVOSUN Plant Food Nutrients Base A(4-0-1) & B(1-4-2) Bundle, All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer, Hydroponic Plant Food Supports Vegetative and Flowering Stages for Outdoor & Indoor Plants, Set of Quarts

VIVOSUN Nutrients Bundle is a two-part concentrated liquid fertilizer that provides complete nutrients for plant growth. This bundle includes essential elements like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, supporting rapid plant growth and preventing deficiencies. It stabilizes pH levels, enhances nutrient absorption, and improves plant yield and quality. Compatible with various growing media, it's suitable for a wide range of plants. With easy usage requiring equal amounts of Base A and B for watering, this bundle simplifies the nutrient application process throughout the growing cycle.

What We Like
Easy to use
Effective nutrient delivery
Long-lasting refill option
Supports strong growth and flowering
Simple mixing instructions
What We Don't Like
Potential pH adjustment needed
Watch feeding dosage closely
#TOP 6

General Hydroponics Flora Series Hydroponic Nutrient System

HGCVB00062
1 quart
General Hydroponics Flora Series Hydroponic Nutrient System Cover
General Hydroponics Flora Series: FloraMicro, FloraBloom, FloraGro - 3-Part Hydroponic Nutrient System, 1 qt. Bottles

The General Hydroponics Flora Series is a 3-part hydroponic nutrient system that includes FloraMicro, FloraBloom, and FloraGro. FloraMicro contains nitrogen, calcium, and trace minerals for a comprehensive hydroponic plant diet. FloraBloom adds phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur to support flower and fruit development. FloraGro provides additional nitrogen and potassium for structural and foliar growth. This nutrient system helps fulfill your plants' nutrient needs at every stage of growth.

What We Like
Long-term reliability
Plants thrive and grow well
Easy to use instructions
Effective for root recovery
Good for hydroponic systems
What We Don't Like
Price might be a concern
Not beginner-friendly for mixing
#TOP 7

Cutting Edge Solutions CES3303 Sour-Dee Additive

CES3303
White
2.5-Gallon
Cutting Edge Solutions CES3303 Sour-Dee Additive Cover
Cutting Edge Solutions CES3303 3303 Sour-Dee Growing Additive, 2.5-Gallon Hydroponic Nutrients, White

Cutting Edge Sour-Dee is a hydroponic nutrient additive designed to enhance your plant growth. It boosts amino acid production, which is essential for healthy plant development. As sunlight decreases at the end of the growing season, this product helps compensate for lower light levels, ensuring your plants continue to thrive. Additionally, it mitigates drops in photosynthetic rates and supports sugar production in plants, promoting overall vitality. Using this additive can lead to stronger, healthier plants even as conditions change.

What We Like
Quick arrival
Promising results for plants
Future orders planned
What We Don't Like
Results not yet confirmed
#TOP 8

Haligo Hydroponics A & B Nutrients

ZZFL4P
Green
Haligo Hydroponics A & B Nutrients Cover
Hydroponics Nutrients (1000ml in Total), All Purpose Plant Food A & B, Hydroponics Supplies, Fertilizer for All Plants and Media, Hydroponics System Accessories for Vegetables Fruits Flowers Thrive

Haligo Hydroponics Nutrients offers comprehensive plant nourishment with its convenient dual-bottle system, providing essential A and B nutrients for your indoor or potted plants. You can use this versatile formula with any hydroponic setup, ensuring optimal nutrition for various plant types. Mixing is simple; just combine the nutrients with water using the included dispensing cup for precise measurement. This product is designed to promote stronger and faster growth, as its premium, water-soluble ingredients are easily absorbed by plants, making it an ideal choice for any gardening enthusiast.

What We Like
Easy to mix with water
Good value for price
Effective for various plants
Includes measuring tools
Supports healthy growth
What We Don't Like
Ingredient composition unclear
Limited info on best use
#TOP 9

General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0 Concentrated Blend

GH1773
1 gal
General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0 Concentrated Blend Cover
General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0, Concentrated Blend Of Calcium & Magnesium, Secondary Nutrient Deficiencies Helps Prevent Blossom End Rot & Tip Burn, Clean, Soluble, 1-Gallon

The General Hydroponics CALiMAGic 1-0-0 is a concentrated blend of calcium and magnesium that helps prevent secondary nutrient deficiencies and blossom end rot and tip burn in calcium-intensive plants. It will not clog your spray lines or drip emitters and can be used in reservoirs combined with other fertilizers. With an NPK of 1-0-0, it is perfect for fast-growing plants.

What We Like
Effective nutrient delivery
Prevents blossom end rot
Easy to mix and use
Value for money
Versatile for various plants
What We Don't Like
Measuring can be tricky
Packaging lacks measuring tool
#TOP 10

Hygrozyme 1L Enzyme Stimulator

Supplements
As the pictur shown
1 Liter
Hygrozyme 1L Enzyme Stimulator Cover
Hygrozyme 1 Liter 1L organic enzyme stimulator hydroponics additive nutrient

Hygrozyme Enzyme Booster is a revolutionary product designed to enhance your hydroponic gardening experience. It effectively breaks down old root mass, promoting fresh growth in your plants. This enzyme stimulator is unique because it is completely bacteria-free, ensuring a long shelf life and eliminating the risk of harmful bacteria in your growing system. Additionally, it is compatible with Oxy-Plus and is made from all-natural ingredients using a specialized fermentation process. With Hygrozyme, you can keep your growing medium clean, which leads to healthier plants and a more successful gardening endeavor.

What We Like
Effective nutrient system
Improved plant growth
No burned tips
Stops plant decay
Quality nutrients
What We Don't Like
Significant initial cost
Possible confusion with other brands
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What additives do I need for hydroponics?

To ensure proper nutrition for your hydroponic plants, you will need various additives. These include base nutrients, seaweed or kelp, root stimulators, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, water cleansers, and silica. These additives provide essential elements and compounds that promote healthy plant growth and development in a hydroponic system.

2. What nutrients are best for hydroponics?

For optimal growth, hydroponic plants require large amounts of three main macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, they need several micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, boron, and chlorine. Providing these essential nutrients in the right proportions is crucial for the overall health and productivity of hydroponic plants.

3. Can I make my own hydroponic nutrient solution?

Yes, you can create your own hydroponic nutrient solution. A simple recipe includes mixing 2.4 grams of Masterblend 4-18-38, 1.2 grams of Epsom salt, and 2.4 grams of Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) in one gallon of RO or distilled water. This homemade solution provides the necessary nutrients for your hydroponic plants to thrive.

4. Do you need Epsom salt for hydroponics?

Epsom salt is beneficial for hydroponic systems as it provides a source of magnesium, which is essential for plant growth. Magnesium helps plants absorb other nutrients more efficiently. Adding Epsom salt to your hydroponic solution is an inexpensive way to ensure your plants receive adequate magnesium.

5. What are the big 3 nutrients plants need?

The three primary macronutrients that plants require in significant amounts are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients, often referred to as the 'big three,' play crucial roles in plant growth and development. When purchasing fertilizer or soil, you will usually see these three numbers displayed as the NPK ratio, indicating the proportion of these primary macronutrients.

Editor's Notes

During our hydroponic nutrients & additive research, we found 24 hydroponic nutrients & additive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 85,307 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hydroponic nutrients & additives list. We found that most customers choose hydroponic nutrients & additives with an average price of $27.79.

The hydroponic nutrients & additives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hydroponic nutrients & additives, including Microbe Life Hydroponics, General Hydroponics, Farmer's Secret, VIVOSUN, Cutting EDGE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.

Hydroponic Nutrients & Additives Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP5
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Microbe Life Hydroponics General Hydroponics General Hydroponics Farmer's Secret VIVOSUN General Hydroponics Cutting EDGE Haligo General Hydroponics Supplements
Item Form Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Coverage Full Medium Full 1 teaspoon per gallon Full Full Full Medium Full Medium
Liquid Volume 48 Fluid Ounces 0.9 Liters 384 Fluid Ounces 8 Fluid Ounces 2 Quarts 96 Fluid Ounces 320 Fluid Ounces 1 Liters 128 Fluid Ounces 1 Liters
Item Weight 16 Ounces 2.4 Pounds 31.2 Pounds 0.7 Pounds - 7.95 Pounds 24 Pounds - 0.75 Pounds -
Unit Count 48.0 Fluid Ounces 32.0 Fluid Ounces - - - 96.0 Fluid Ounces 320.0 Fluid Ounces - 1.0 Count 33.8 Fluid Ounces
Specific Uses For Product Hydroponics Plant Growth - - - Plant Growth, Seed Development, Foliar Feedings, and Other Specialized Needs end-of-season plant support, promoting plant growth and health - Tomatoes, Lettuce -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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