Microbe brew tea - Orchid Board

Shiffdaddy · #1 12-27-2012, 10:56 AM

So i wanted to start this forum for a few reasons. Firstly I want your

on the subject and if its beneficial for good/better orchid growing. Secondly i wanted to know from those of you who know a good amount about the subject if my mixture is any good.

I use a 4 spout oxygen fish tank pump with 4 air stones for aeration. I put 2 tbs of unsulphured molasses in about 4 gallons of water. I then add a nice pour of the Microbe Brew product and a tea bag for compost tea that is the product Bu's Brew (malibu something compost?). The microbe brew has a ton of different bacteria/fungi so i'm wondering if this would make a high quality "tea" or if it needs some work.

Thanks for any imput

Stray59 · #2 12-27-2012, 04:19 PM

shiffdaddy:
I have wondered about using such in my orc's, but I have been hesitant as the fungus and the bacteria are going to break down the potting medium quicker. I know that such as this helps terrestrials, but I don't think the epiphytic orc's need or use the microbes like the terrestrials. I am anxious to see what others have to say about this.
Steve

Happy New Year everyone!

Shiffdaddy · #3 12-27-2012, 04:38 PM

From what i have read it can also create a "biofilm" on the leaves of beneficial bacteria/fungus that out competes the bad fungus. The mix also has Bacillus thuringiensis which is a bacteria that acts as a stomach poison to some insect pest species such as some members from Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera.

Also for anybody would there be any beneficial purposes in a semi hydroponic growing setup? That way there is nothing to breakdown? But idk if there would be any benefit since there isnt any nutrients or anything to be broken down in that mix.

Ben

burz · #4 01-14-2013, 06:31 PM

This is something I've been asking about and thinking about a lot with this new hobby. With all my other gardening I'm constantly adding microbes and enzymes. That was the biggest step for me growing all types of plants.
When I started using such things the roots were noticeably better as well as everything else with the plant(growth, yield, and quality). And most importantly far less salt build up.
Tomorrow I'm going to water with an enzyme product that I use on everything else I grow(besides my plants planted directly in the ground outside) and hope for the best.
I'm going to try that first and if that causes no problems after a few months I'm using other beneficials.
I understand its for soil but I THINK quality beneficials will help defend against pathogens, salt build up, and unwanted fungus in whatever media used.
I will post any noticeable results ASAP.

If this is proven harmful I hope someone will step in and stop me before tomorrow morning.lol.

keithrs · #5 01-15-2013, 11:10 AM

I use beneficial teas and love them. I don't use compost besides worm castings because you can add bad bacteria to your plants that will give you a whole other problem. You'll benefit more from using a product that is designed with beneficial bacteria and more important Trichderma. Trichderma are what fight off bad bacteria that cause rots.

I can truly say it protects your plants from root rot. I grow outside and had a huge problem with roots rot in the winter time when temp did not get above 60-65. I have used beneficial products for a year & half going through two winters. The first winter I cut my rots down to about 4-5 plants. This year I have not seen any rot! It also work very well on deflasked seedlings!

I also used an enzyme product call hygrozime and notice zero difference in my plants. I do think that if one grow Cym. Or terra orchids more then the few I have. You would probably have better success. I use the same product in the garden and the compost breaks down quite abit faster.

The products I have used are Plants Success, SubCulture B, Fox Farms products, Rootshield, Oregonism XL, Hygrozime, and I'm currently using a product by OG Bio War. All have done there job for what intended to due. OG and Rootshield are the best bang for your buck!

I use 100ml of molasses to 4gal of dechorinated water, 1/2 oz of powder product, 1 cups wormcasting. Works well.
If you want a little N add some alfalfa meal or high N bat guano. Tap water is important as it has Ca, Mg, and Fe that the plants can use.

I make 20 gal at a time and apply by misting on every 3 months. Apply more often in the beginning. I do get mushrooms(don't eat them!)in pot that have fir bark....

---------- Post added at 08:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 AM ----------

Shiffdaddy... The product you have is a Fox Farm product and it works OK.

FYI for next time.... Buy a powder product. You get more for your money.

Orchid126 · #6 01-17-2013, 04:49 PM

Possibly what media you're growing your plants in may play a part. Organic additives work best in soil. Since orchids are not grown in soil, it's hard to say how they would work.