How much Superthrive for Phals? - Orchid Board

The Mutant · #1 03-13-2012, 05:34 PM

So, my stinking bottle of Superthrive arrived today and I'm wondering how much of this I'm supposed to use per liter of water?

I'll use it to stimulate root growth on three Phals, one mini Phal with floppy leaves and not enough roots, one equestris keiki that will arrive tomorrow with only three roots (but otherwise I think it's in good condition, it looked healthy on the pictures), and my dying equestris aurea's basal keiki. So, I think I need to use it when watering these three as well as maybe when I mist the aurea since the keiki has no roots and the motherplant have almost none either.

So, how should I dilute it? 1ml per 4 liters? That's what is recommended for active development but does this apply to orchids too?

Grateful for advice, tips, and suggestions as always.

Bud · #2 03-13-2012, 06:34 PM

If you have healthy happy plants...I suggest you stay away from those hormones(superthrive)

you only bring out the big guns(chemicals) if your roots are sick and plants on the verge of dying.

hormones can make your healthy pants go freakish and deform their flowers

The Mutant · #3 03-13-2012, 07:09 PM

I'm well aware of that Bud, and the Phals I'm going to use it on are not in good health. As I wrote, one of them is dying for example (it had stem rot and I'm trying to save the basal keiki it has - both the keiki and the motherplant are dying on me) and if I could save them any other way, I would. This will only be used on three of my 27 Phals and only till they show signs of recovering. The equestris keiki that will arrive tomorrow doesn't have many roots, only three, and this will be used to lessen the stress on it and stimulate some root growth. I won't use it on the other equestris keiki that is being shipped together with this guy, since that one has plenty of roots.

I will also give some Superthrive to my friend who has been trying to save one of her mini Phals that got affected with root rot.

I wouldn't use the big guns unless I felt I had another choice.

So, no suggestion regarding the dosage question anyone?

zxyqu · #4 03-13-2012, 07:13 PM

Bud makes a good point about using hormones. I do use KLN/Superthrive/Seaweed extract though about once a month or so. They may or may not need it, but my phals seem to like it. If you do choose to use it, use it in low doses. I dont know specifically about superthrive, but I use KLN at about 1 capful (about 1/2 - 1 teaspoon or so) per gallon of water. And again, I only use it once a month.

nenella · #5 03-13-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zxyqu

Bud makes a good point about using hormones. I do use KLN/Superthrive/Seaweed extract though about once a month or so. They may or may not need it, but my phals seem to like it. If you do choose to use it, use it in low doses. I dont know specifically about superthrive, but I use KLN at about 1 capful (about 1/2 - 1 teaspoon or so) per gallon of water. And again, I only use it once a month.

I'm no expert but, I my impression is that superthrive is a lot more 'potent' than KLN or seaweed. I have some and have only used it once (I believe I went a bit strong on the dosage; when I used it saw some 'funny stuff happening - but again can't say for sure if it was due to the ST) I have never used it again since. Doesn't mean I never will... but if memory serves me right it talks about 'drops' in the instructions on watering. I have never found out how much a drop actually is...ther's drops and Drops...

so I have avoided further use of it.
I look forward to reading different peoples ideas on this and yes I to would love to know exactly how much to use for orchids ..If I ever feel one of my plants needs this extra boost in the future.

The Mutant · #6 03-13-2012, 07:16 PM

Well, I won't use this on a regular basis, it's only to help two Phals along, and maybe save the third one. I don't like feeding any of my Phals chemicals, but in this case it's a matter of life and death, otherwise I'll only keep to ordinary fertilizer.

What would that be in ml and liter?

Exo · #7 03-13-2012, 07:19 PM

For regenerating roots and using for transplants, use 10 drops per gallon of water (you are gonna have to convert that to litres) and soak for 30min.

Bud · #8 03-13-2012, 07:21 PM

theres a thread where Ray gave the exact percentage of water ratio to superthrive...
I think a capful is too much per gallon of water...
maybe use a medicine dropper and ten drops to a gallon...

The Mutant · #9 03-13-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud

theres a thread where Ray gave the exact percentage of water ratio to superthrive...
I think a capful is too much per gallon of water...
maybe use a medicine dropper and ten drops to a gallon...

Seems like you and EXO agree on the ten drops/gallon part.

The Mutant · #10 03-13-2012, 07:23 PM

So 1 ml to 4 liters are fine then (a gallon is approximately 4 liters)? Or maybe half a ml is sufficient enough?

Do I have to repeat this treatment until the Phals in question start showing signs of recovering/root growth, and if so, how often should I do it? I'm terrified of killing them with what is supposed to help them.