Yucca Extract 20% Sarsaponin (Ecocert Organic)
Organic yucca extract powder, 20% sarsaponin, used as a wetting agent and spreader. Its saponins lower the surface tension of water, so foliar sprays spread across the leaf and water soaks into dry peat and coir instead of running down the sides of the pot.
At a glance
- Type: wetting agent and spreader (surfactant), yucca extract powder
- Supplier certificate on file: Ecocert certificate. See the certificate and its dates.
- Analysis: 20% sarsaponin
- Use for: spreader in foliar sprays, wetting agent for peat and coir, rewetting dry pots, hydroponic reservoirs
- Rate: a pinch (1/16 teaspoon) per 20 L as a peat wetting agent; 8 to 12 g (1 to 1.5 tablespoons) per 10 L in foliar sprays
- Certification: Ecocert Organic
What it is
Yucca is a desert plant. This extract is made from it and standardised to 20% sarsaponin, a natural saponin. Saponins are soap like molecules: one end sits in water and the other in oil or air, which is what lets them lower the surface tension of water.
What it does
- A surfactant lowers the surface tension of water. Droplets that would bead up and roll off a waxy leaf spread out and cover it instead, so a foliar spray reaches more of the leaf.
- Dry peat and coir turn water repellent. A little yucca in the water lets it sink in and wet the mix evenly, which helps avoid dry pockets in pots.
- Growers also run it at a low rate in hydroponic reservoirs, and some use a weak yucca solution when flushing pots.
Analysis
How to use
- Peat moss wetting agent: 1/16 teaspoon (a pinch) per 20 L bucket of water.
- Foliar sprays: 8 to 12 g (1 to 1.5 tablespoons) per 10 L of water. An 80% saponin yucca powder is labelled at 2 g per 10 L, which is 8 g per 10 L at this 20% strength.
- Hydroponics: 0.4 g (1/8 teaspoon) per 40 L of reservoir water.
Watch out
- Saponins are toxic to fish. Take care when using near streams or ponds.
- Do not exceed the rates. Strong surfactant solutions can mark leaves.
- Very dry media can still need several waterings to rewet fully.
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Handling and storage
- Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open in a well ventilated area.
- Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
- Once opened, keep sealed and dry.
- If ingested, or if the product comes into contact with eyes or skin irritation is present, rinse the area well and call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).
Shipping and returns
We ship nationwide across New Zealand. Orders are usually dispatched within 1 to 2 business days and rural delivery can take longer. Unopened products can be returned within 30 days.
