MICRO, GROW, BLOOM — How a 3-Part Nutrient System Actually Works

Why separate concentrates?

At concentrate strength, calcium can form poorly soluble salts with sulphate or phosphate, depending on concentrations and conditions. Formulation must account for solubility and precipitation; separate stocks are one way to manage compatibility [1]. This does not mean every one-part fertiliser is unsuitable.

Multi-part systems can keep incompatible ingredients apart at concentrate strength. Follow the Nana Organics directions for MICRO, GROW and BLOOM; instructions for other formulations are not interchangeable.

What goes in each NaO bottle

MICRO 4-0-1.5 supplies 4.4% calcium and micronutrients. It contains no sulphates or phosphates and its nitrogen is nitrate.

GROW 3-1.5-7 supplies nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium (0.8%) and sulphur. It contains no calcium; its nitrogen is nitrate.

BLOOM 0-5-6 supplies phosphorus and potassium from MKP, plus 0.9% magnesium. It contains no nitrogen or calcium.

MICRO supplies iron as DTPA and EDDHA chelates. In GROW and BLOOM, iron uses DTPA. Manganese, zinc and copper use EDTA chelates; boron and molybdenum are supplied as boric acid and sodium molybdate, not chelates.

The parts are complementary, not growth-stage alternatives. Other brands may publish different schedules; those schedules are not instructions for NaO.

The current NaO mixing instructions

For 10 L of water, use 30 mL MICRO + 30 mL GROW + 30 mL BLOOM. For one litre, use 3+3+3 mL/L.

Add MICRO to water first and mix, then GROW and mix, then BLOOM. Never mix undiluted concentrates. Maintain hydroponic tank pH at 5.5–6.0. Measure EC after mixing; it depends on source water and does not identify individual nutrient concentrations.

How to read your EC and pH

EC (electrical conductivity) indicates overall dissolved-ion concentration; it cannot verify individual nutrient concentrations or the MICRO:GROW:BLOOM ratio. Maintain the NaO hydroponic tank at pH 5.5–6.0. Nutrient availability depends on pH, chemical form and root conditions [3].

Observe plants and flow routinely and record calibrated pH and EC readings. The appropriate monitoring frequency depends on system stability and crop conditions; do not wait for a weekly check if plants wilt or delivery stops.

Read concentration and evidence correctly

A concentrate declaration in g/kg or mg/kg is not the same as final nutrient concentration after dosing in mL/L. Nana uses elemental mass/mass declarations; oxide-based competitor grades need conversion before comparison. Density, declaration basis and the complete instructions matter more than a headline number.

Calculated trace values are not independently measured nutrient assays or approval for sale. Keep the bottles sealed, prevent contamination of measuring tools, and retain a written record of the amount added from each part.

For general nutrient monitoring, see Oklahoma State University’s EC and pH guide. For interpreting overlapping symptoms, consult UNH Extension’s scouting guide. These are background sources, not NaO performance trials.