FAQs

Once applied and watered into the root zone, Hydretain’s hygroscopic humectant components attached to the root hairs of plants and lawns, drawing moisture vapor from the soil like tiny water magnets. It then converts that moisture vapor into water droplets, enabling plants to take up more moisture and assisting in the uptake of nutrients.

Hydretain is available in both liquid and granular formulas. Liquid can be applied by spray, drench, fertigation or injection. Granular products can be applied to existing landscapes using any standard spreader equipment. For new installs granular may be incorporated into the soil at planting or applied topically after planting. Hydretain must be watered into the root zone to be effective.

Hydretain can be applied anytime during a plants life cycle.  However, the best time to apply Hydretain is before hot dry weather or drought stress conditions set in.

Hydretain can be used on all types of plants including turfgrasses, flowering plants, trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens. It may be used in landscapes and containers – both indoors and out. Hydretain can be used to reduce water stress at germination, installation and throughout lifelong maintenance.

No. Hydretain has little moisture holding capacity. It does not swell and hold excess moisture like water absorbing crystals. It functions by collecting and condensing otherwise unavailable soil humidity into plant usable water droplets for root absorption.

Hydretain may wash through the soil if heavy rainfall follows closely after application before Hydretain has time to attach to plant roots.  Hydretain is usually drawn up against roots within the first one to 2 required waterings after application.

Liquid Hydretain needs to be watered in right after application so that it is driven down to and throughout the root zone where it can be drawn up against tiny roots. If allowed to remain on the surface or within the thatch area Hydretain will attach to organic materials i.e. plant tissue or thatch, and its migration into the root area, with subsequent waterings, will be too slow to show it’s full efficacy.

No Hydretain is not a plant food ingredient and is not a replacement for fertilizer. However, Hydretain’s soil moisture management function has shown to improve nutrient uptake thereby amplifying fertilizer applications.

Although Hydretain is not certified organic, it is produced using primarily food grade, organic-based hygroscopic and humectant ingredients. Hydretain ES Plus has been certified as 93% biobased by the United States Department of Agriculture BioPreferred Program. It is safe to use on commercially grown food producing agriculture as well as residential vegetable and herb gardens, fruits and citrus trees. Hydretain Granular OC incorporates the Hydretain formula into an organic compost carrier.

Yes. Hydretain products are safe for use around people and pets. Hydretain is not classified as hazardous under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It does not require any wait period before people and pets can enter the application area.