I've been using it for a couple years. Other than making the stems strong I haven't noticed a huge difference with it. But that doesn't mean too much because my grow is a constant confusing jungle with lots of stuff going on and a lack of time. Until I do a side by side grow with/without silica- I won't really be able to nail down what benefits it brings. I don't have any pests here so I can't detect a difference that way.