New Nutrient/Stimulant

[Ray]

Another update: I have reformulated Solo, increasing its concentration, so you now use less per gallon than before. That did necessitate a price increase, but the cost-per-applied-gallon has gone down more than 35%. The demand for this stuff is such that I'm researching bigger filling equipment.

I noticed another effect of using it: thicker roots on some plants. A brassavola hybrid (George Tyler = cucullata x flagellaris) I have had for years (2 plants obtained from Allen Black, the hybridizer) has always had roots about 2=3mm in diameter, but has recently begun putting out some 3x-4x that thickness.

[RosieC]

Really interesting stuff Ray. I missed this post originally, just wish I lived close enough to give your new product a try

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Ray

I noticed another effect of using it: thicker roots on some plants. A brassavola hybrid (George Tyler = cucullata x flagellaris) I have had for years (2 plants obtained from Allen Black, the hybridizer) has always had roots about 2=3mm in diameter, but has recently begun putting out some 3x-4x that thickness.

I agree. In fact the first thing I noticed when I started using seaweed, a few years ago, was larger and more abundant roots. I have seldom lost a plant since I started using it also. That makes me suspect that it strengthens the orchids against disease. I don't want to sound too enthusiastic but two cattleyas that I had for years were never fragrant. The year after starting with seaweed, they both developed a beautiful fragrance.

[quiltergal]

I don't know how on earth I missed this thread originally, but it's interesting as all get out. I think I'll give it a whirl.

[bballr4567]

Ive only been using it for around two weeks and only two feedings but I've noticed an increase in the size of my root tips on a keiki that is still attached to the mother plant. They have easily grown in diameter about 2-3mm and have also got longer by about the same.

Its the only orchid with roots that are exposed enough to see a difference but if they are all responding like that, it was a good buy.

[keithrs]

Ray- Are you still using MSU or have you switched over to K-lite for your Solo product?

Also, With the info you posted for Kelpac on frequency, Do you recommend using this product every 14 days?

I must say, K-lite mixed with the seaweed extract I use, sure has made a difference over just MSU and I've cut back about 80% on the amount of fertilizer I use!

[Ray]

Still MSU.

While it pretty much matches my own net feeding regimen, Solo is really intended for the smaller scale, more casual grower, and it is formulated so that by using it on the two-week schedule, it will provide a decent level of nutrients, while sticking to the recommendation of the producer of the Kelpak seaweed extract.

[RosieC]

While I can't buy Ray's from over here, this has encouraged to give one a try, so I've ordered one based on Ascophyllum Nodosum. No idea if it will be any good but thought it worth a try.

I picked the product I did because it was the only one that thought telling me the type of seaweed which sort of gives me confidence they know it's a good one... but that's just the way my mind works and could be complete nonsense

[OzPhal]

Ray, you need a distributor for your stuff here in Australia! it's hard to get good stuff over here that's been as thoroughly researched as per the effort you put in!

[ALToronto]

Ray, I just checked your retail site, and you're selling Kelpak only in 2.5 gallon bottles. Yikes - what's a small home grower supposed to do with so much? Please put some in a quart bottle, and I will gladly buy one.