Getting an orchid to root

[Stasisgate]

Hey folks.... I know some of you out there know about this, so how do you save an orchid and encourage root growth, cuz i've had these orchid for over 4 mths and they refuse to send out new roots.

I've got more than three orchids that need help but the three i'm concerned with are Ency. cordigera, Epc. Rene Marques and Den. Mini Brown.

[Orchidaholic]

Most orchids will send out new roots when a new growth begins to mature. Others will grow roots when the temps get a little warmer(almost all plants love spring). An increase in humidity and decrease in watering sometimes helps too.

[gixrj18]

Molasses, K-L-N, and Blossom Booster 10-30-20.

[Stasisgate]

Thanx for the info...i'll try it.

[camille1585]

How does the molasses help?? I've never heard about that before, but it seems interesting!

[kavanaru]

It's to be an effect of high potassium in molasses... it's commonly used (as well as sugar) and some people love it, other don't give a penny about it...

In my case, I do not see the real rational of adding sugar to teh plants (they produce their own!), but with molasses... well, the high potassium (and other micro-nutrient in it) can indeed help... the question is, if it's really necessary, as most people also add complete fertilzer as well to the mix...

[Stasisgate]

so you're saying if i make solution and include molasses it might speed up the formation of roots?

[kavanaru]

to be honest, if I would go for KLN instead... (it does not attract ants )

(and I believe in chemicals... )

[gixrj18]

The high potassium and low nitrogen content of this mixture slows the upward growth of the plant, thus allowing it to concentrate on root growth. If you get the molasses from a health food store, you can sometimes find it with up to 500mg of potassium. All plants need sugars (or carbohydrates), whether they are getting it from sugar, molasses, or humic acid. In the case of humic acid, the plant uses the carbon in it to produce sugars....in sugar or molasses, it's readily available! Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in chemicals, too. I've grown a few things hydro- and aeroponically, and so far, most of the flowering enhancers I've bought from the hydro shop (for $20+......smelled and looked like it had a high content of molasses. The "Blackstrap Molasses", that I use, not only has 500mg of potassium.....but it is also is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. How can you go wrong there, for $5 a bottle. I have 150-ish orchids, and I'm only 30% through the bottle...and I bought it last April. I only use about 3ml. per gal., but I noticed the difference after a month, or two!

[Stasisgate]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

The high potassium and low nitrogen content of this mixture slows the upward growth of the plant, thus allowing it to concentrate on root growth. If you get the molasses from a health food store, you can sometimes find it with up to 500mg of potassium. All plants need sugars (or carbohydrates), whether they are getting it from sugar, molasses, or humic acid. In the case of humic acid, the plant uses the carbon in it to produce sugars....in sugar or molasses, it's readily available! Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in chemicals, too. I've grown a few things hydro- and aeroponically, and so far, most of the flowering enhancers I've bought from the hydro shop (for $20+......smelled and looked like it had a high content of molasses. The "Blackstrap Molasses", that I use, not only has 500mg of potassium.....but it is also is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. How can you go wrong there, for $5 a bottle. I have 150-ish orchids, and I'm only 30% through the bottle...and I bought it last April. I only use about 3ml. per gal., but I noticed the difference after a month, or two!

Thanx! I seem to really be getting good info here so i'll try it and if i get results i'll e sure to let u guys know.