Atami - Ata Terra Leaves

A mineral grow nutrient for growing in soil, declared as NPK 2-1-3. You build up from 1 ml per litre in the first week to a maximum of 5 ml by the end of root formation.

The low NPK is a design choice, not a weakness

Set this label beside a hydro nutrient and the figures look thin. That is exactly the intention, and Atami explain why themselves.

Soil is not an inert medium. It already holds a store of nutrients of its own, calcium first among them, and it is also reasonably good at retaining what you pour into it. Atami have therefore kept the NPK values deliberately low, to prevent over-fertilisation.

That has a consequence growers regularly misjudge. Anyone used to the figures on a rockwool or coco feed sees a low number here, concludes there is not enough in it, and starts dosing heavier. In soil that accumulates, because the medium does not give everything back. The low figure protects you from precisely the mistake it appears to invite.

This feed is also matched to light, calcareous potting soils. If you grow on coco or an inert medium this is not the right bottle: those media do not hold the reserve this formula counts on.

Building up rather than dosing

Atami give no fixed figure but a progression, which makes more sense for a grow nutrient than a fixed ratio.

Start at 1 ml per litre in the first week and work gradually up to a maximum of 5 ml per litre by the end of root formation. The plant asks for more each week over that period, so you follow the demand rather than a schedule.

Watch the crop while you do. If growth lags or the leaves go pale, a little more is due. If you see burnt leaf tips you are too high and should come back down. That is more useful than a table, because pot size and plant size differ from grow to grow.

What it does

Terra Leaves drives the production of chlorophyll and helps the plant build strong, vital side branches and increase steadily in size. It dissolves directly in water and is quickly absorbed, so you see the effect without a waiting period.

It suits a wide range of crops, from spinach and sage to potted ornamentals, and all watering systems.

When you switch over

Terra Leaves is the growth half of the ATA Terra range. Once flowering begins you move to ATA Terra Max, which carries a different ratio and is built up in its own way.

Shake the bottle before use and store it at room temperature. Once opened its shelf life is limited, so buy the size that fits your grow rather than the largest one.

Available sizes

Technical Specifications:

• Type: mineral grow nutrient for soil
• Manufacturer: Atami, ATA Terra range
• Levels: NPK 2-1-3, deliberately kept low
• Dosage: 1 ml per litre in week 1, rising to a maximum of 5 ml
• End point: the end of root formation
• Substrate: soil, especially light calcareous potting soils
• Uptake: directly soluble, quickly absorbed
• System: suitable for all watering systems
• Successor: ATA Terra Max for the flowering phase
• Storage: room temperature, limited shelf life once opened

Frequently asked questions

The NPK looks low next to other brands. Is that right?
Yes, and it is deliberate. Soil supplies nutrition of its own and retains what you give, so Atami keep the values low to prevent over-fertilisation.

How much do I give per litre?
Start with 1 ml in the first week and build to a maximum of 5 ml towards the end of root formation.

Can I use it on coco?
No, this is calculated for soil, and particularly for light calcareous potting soil. Coco asks for a different ratio.

When do I move to Terra Max?
At the start of the flowering phase. Terra Max carries a different ratio and is built up from the bottom again.

My leaf tips are burning.
Your dose is too high. Come back down and work up more slowly afterwards.