Rooting Hormones

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'll second that. Since I began using Kelpmax I've gotten really amazing root growth.

I'll 3rd That! My orchids have ALL shown a significant surge in root growth, new leaves, and spiking. I use 1/4 tsp. Per gallon of water, and use it at every watering. I won't be without it from here on out!

[Arizona Jeanie]

Wait, What? I could be spraying Kelpmax on? Does that give different results than soaking the roots? Enlighten me please, Ray!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

I use 1/4 tsp. Per gallon of water, and use it at every watering.

It is intended to be used at 1:256 (1 tablespoon per gallon), and ONLY once a month, unless you are trying to rescue, or get a plant established.

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Arizona Jeanie

Wait, What? I could be spraying Kelpmax on? Does that give different results than soaking the roots? Enlighten me please, Ray!

Spraying may-, or may not be as effective as adding it to your irrigation solution. I have always done the latter, although I'll admit the entire plant was usually soaked in the process of watering - and often, so was I!

Because of the waxy cuticle layers many orchids have on their leaves, intended to reduce water loss, they are also not particularly good at foliar uptake. None are particularly good, but plants with thin leaves like coelogynes, and phaius are better than stuff like vandas and phalaenopsis.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Ray

It is intended to be used at 1:256 (1 tablespoon per gallon), and ONLY once a month, unless you are trying to rescue, or get a plant established.

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------



Spraying may-, or may not be as effective as adding it to your irrigation solution. I have always done the latter, although I'll admit the entire plant was usually soaked in the process of watering - and often, so was I!

Because of the waxy cuticle layers many orchids have on their leaves, intended to reduce water loss, they are also not particularly good at foliar uptake. None are particularly good, but plants with thin leaves like coelogynes, and phaius are better than stuff like vandas and phalaenopsis.

Ray, do you think it's harmful to use it super weakly at every watering like I have been? I haven't seen anything but great results. You know best though...

[jmrathbun]

It's not cheap but it was prompt: ordered two days ago and here it is.

Is this stuff prone to fermentation? I mixed up a gallon with some RO water that was cool room temperature and within minutes saw a bit of gas rising through the solution.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by jmrathbun

It's not cheap but it was prompt: ordered two days ago and here it is.

Is this stuff prone to fermentation? I mixed up a gallon with some RO water that was cool room temperature and within minutes saw a bit of gas rising through the solution.

There is nothing living in it that can react.

---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 PM ----------

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Ray, do you think it's harmful to use it super weakly at every watering like I have been? I haven't seen anything but great results. You know best though...

I seriously doubt that your solution - on the order of 1:3000 rather than the 1:250 I recommend - is doing anything, but let's face it, the manufacturer doesn't know anything about its use on orchids, and my recommendation is based upon my own experience and those of others.

1:250 definitely works. That's all I'll say.

[jmrathbun]

I don't see any indication of ongoing fermentation or other chemical reactions in the clear glass jug I'm using to hold the KelpMax diluted with RO water. That leaves a welter of possibilities that I'm unable to parse:

1. That jug wasn't as clean as I thought it was;
2. Particulates in the KelpMax served as nidi for bubble formation of dissolved gasses in the water;
3. Outgassing was catalyzed by the pH change from concentrate to dilute solution;
4. Photosynthetic pigments in the kelp were briefly activated by addition of light;
5. Some reaction was catalyzed by reduced salinity.

Any chemist in the crowd care to have a go? My chemistry skills are superannuated to say the least!

In the event, I've started applying the dilute KelpMax solution 1:250 to my problem orchids, which are going to have to make the trip from patio to light bench this afternoon, as today appears to be the end of summer here at 3000 feet altitude in western NC.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Ray

There is nothing living in it that can react.[COLOR="Silver"]

---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 PM ----------

[/COLOR
I seriously doubt that your solution - on the order of 1:3000 rather than the 1:250 I recommend - is doing anything, but let's face it, the manufacturer doesn't know anything about its use on orchids, and my recommendation is based upon my own experience and those of others.

1:250 definitely works. That's all I'll say.

In that case, I'll start using it at the recommended rate, only once a month, and see if I notice anything. I have to say that I'm really sure that since I've been using it at a half tsp with every watering, along with the MSU, they all have picked up so much more growth, both roots and leaves...but maybe it's just my wishful thinking.