Although it is not considered an essential element for plants, silicon (Si) provides benefits for several species, especially grasses, such as increase in yield and resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the effects of salt and water stress, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silicon on the performance of lettuce in hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with five doses of silicon (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 mM) in the nutrient solution. Shoot fresh and dry mass, gas exchanges, photosynthetic pigments and post-harvest were evaluated. It was observed that from the dose of 2 mM, there was a reduction in most variables. The dose of 0.4 mM [(-0.572)/(2*-0.7055)] provided a greater increase in shoot fresh mass. The highest photosynthetic rate was at the dose of 3.19 mM. Soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH were higher at the 4 mM dose. Silicon provides better lettuce production, with a dose of 0.4 mM allowing a greater shoot fresh mass, being the most indicated for lettuce cultivation in hydroponic system.