JBL Ferrotabs - For leaves or for roots?

[bttay]

I bought a pack of Ferrotabs with intention to insert them into gravel near the roots of some red plants but realized that it is "for the leaves" and to be added to the water as mentioned in JBL's website.

Can I still use it as root tab?

Thanks.

[geoffrey]

Ferrotabs, from its name, are iron (and TE) tabs. You should insert them into the root area even though it's for the leaves and even though aquatic plants are able to uptake nutrients from both its roots and vegetative area. The roots will bring the nutrients to the whole plant.

[bclee]

I think Ferrotabs are really meant for dosing in water, whereas 7 balls are for substrate dosing.

The forms of the nutrients might be different such that one is readily soluble while the other may be slow releasing type.

BC

[vinz]

[quote:e344b5a6f2="geoffrey"]Ferrotabs, from its name, are iron (and TE) tabs. You should insert them into the root area even though it's for the leaves and even though aquatic plants are able to uptake nutrients from both its roots and vegetative area. The roots will bring the nutrients to the whole plant.[/quote:e344b5a6f2]

Nope. JBL designed them for water dosing.

[juggler]

But plants prefer to take up Fe through the roots as I read from Diana Walstad (hope I remember correctly).

Anyway, since JBL designed them for water dosing, use it as prescribed. Maybe you try one piece on a particular plant root area and see the result?

[bttay]

Thank you guys for your helpful replies.

I went back to the shop and exchange for a box of ISTA Laterite Fertilizer that comes in small laterite balls. I inserted a few into the gravel underneath Red tiger lotus and Rotala macranda.

Can't wait to see the result