Studies demonstrating value of Superthrive ?

[iamppdoc]

There are several u tube videos of people evaluating Superthrive in plants planted in soil and showing no benefit. However, there is much anecdotal information about the value of using it. As it is so expensive, has anyone done any experiments, with orchids, to see if there is any value?

[silken]

I haven't seen any studies. But I used to use SuperThrive and a product called K-L-N rooting hormone. I do think they work, especially for promoting root growth. But since then, I find most of the kelp (seaweed) products out there work even better for getting roots to start and grow, and with healthy roots, usually comes a healthy plant. Or at least a better chance to be healthy and grow well. And they usually cost less.

[Orchid Whisperer]

When I see opinions about Superthrive, it seems to be about equal between people that swear by it, and people that swear at it.

Personally, I have avoided it because although they tout 15% solids content (mostly on the larger packages), they don't indicate what the solids are. Add in the wacky packaging and wild claims. There is some root-stimulant in the stuff, but you likely can do as well or better with various brands of kelp extract, or KLN (both of which I have used & am happy with).

[WhiteRabbit]

I used to use it in small amounts, and don't know if there were any benefits. I've switched to kelp extract a few years ago, and feel that there have been noticeable benefits from that. I've been using a product I found at Home Depot (not always in stock) called "Alaska Pure Kelp" for a very good price.

[Polarizeme]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I used to use it in small amounts, and don't know if there were any benefits. I've switched to kelp extract a few years ago, and feel that there have been noticeable benefits from that. I've been using a product I found at Home Depot (not always in stock) called "Alaska Pure Kelp" for a very good price.

That's the kelp I use. It's affordable and seems to work well on my repots.

[LovePhals]

I used super thrive on a few orchids that werent doing well and DID see results in growths and new root growth. I previously used a seaweed extract from repot me with no results.

[Ray]

Both Superthrive and K-L-N contain synthetic rooting hormones that are quite effective and powerful. K-L-N has indole butyric acid and naphthalene acetic acid. SuperThrive has one of them, but I don't recall which.

I have concluded that the reason there are so many, widely-varying opinions on them is due to the chemical instability of the hormones. Dave Neal, owner of Dyna-Gro, told me that a fresh batch of K-L-N is active for about a year if kept cool and dark (they now put expiration dates on their bottles). Let it get exposed to heat or sunlight, and that can drop drastically; a bottle stored in a warm greenhouse won't last but a matter of weeks.

Now then, think about the exposure in trucking to the wholesaler then retailer, and how long it may have been on their shelves before you got it...

With kelp extracts, the species used, how the contents were extracted, and the form they are in all make a difference to the efficacy. Liquids retain the most, but if they were extracted by cooking, chemical extraction, or maceration, they will be degraded. And yes, temperature and light will affect their age too.

It took me about 18 months of hounding the manufacturer to finally get a line on KelpMax, and I am convinced that it is, by far, the best stimulant out there. Even better, the stuff has been proven to still be good at least four years from manufacturing.

[silken]

I always make room in my fridge to keep my seaweed and in the past always kept my SuperThrive and KLN as well.

[Chris17]

Originally Posted by silken

I always make room in my fridge to keep my seaweed and in the past always kept my SuperThrive and KLN as well.

Me, too.

[Wynn Dee13]

I didn't care much for SuperThrive but I had great results with KLN. But I could of had an old bottle. I just ran out of my KLN and decided to try Ray's KelpMax. I can't wait to get it in the mail and see roots grow like crazy!