Superthrive in S/H

[Ray]

Originally Posted by zxyqu

Ray, I've had great results with your Kelpak treatments, especially at the lateral root level. Just wondering though on your dosages. You imply that in the Solo, you are using a 1:300 dilution. Is that recommended dilution rate? Just wondering as I've been using much lower than that (about 1:1000).
But, to anyone thinking of trying it... Do it. I haven't gotten any increases in crown root growth, but some crazy lateral roots activations

Remembering that the producer focuses primarily on food crops, and that WE are the ones developing the first experience with the product on orchids, they recommend never using less than 500:1 (roughly 1.5 teaspoons per gallon). If you're seeing the effect at 1000:1, great! Is that at every watering, or only periodically?

[zxyqu]

Ray, I started using it at every other watering whenever I purchased it from you a few months back at 1 teaspoon/gallon. I couldn't figure out how best to use it given the directions (as you said, it's meant for turf), so I started really low like I'd have done for other growth agents. I'm wondering if I might get even better growth with a bit higher dosage, but like I said I was concerned about adding too much to some of the plants what were blooming.
As for the growth I'm seeing, I'm sure some of it is season related, but IMO a good portion of it is this stuff (or the Low K Fert). I'm seeing lateral root activation on some plants that don't normally throw laterals in my conditions (paraphalaenopsis, psychopsis). As well as increased root extensions from old roots on my Phals. I do not however have a control group (Yes I'm a scientist, and yes I feel bad), but I dont have the time to formulate two different schedules, nor do I have duplicate plants. So take all with a grain of salt, but it definitely isn't hurting what is going on. Great Find Ray, please keep it in stock.

[orchids3]

Ray, are you using this K-lite all year or do you change fertilizer over the cycle? It is my understanding that some orchids require K to develop spikes. Has anyone tried low K during the growth cycle and high K during bud/spike initiation? Not sure what you are trying to accomplish with low K unless it is to force growth but seems like a seasonal switch is in order. Is K antagonistic to N?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by orchids3

Ray, are you using this K-lite all year or do you change fertilizer over the cycle? It is my understanding that some orchids require K to develop spikes. Has anyone tried low K during the growth cycle and high K during bud/spike initiation? Not sure what you are trying to accomplish with low K unless it is to force growth but seems like a seasonal switch is in order. Is K antagonistic to N?

I tend to use one fertilizer...period. it has been K-Lite since late December.

I have not seen individual plants go through an entire growth cycle yet, but have plants in all stages, and they are all doing great.

The idea behind K-Lite is in response to recent studies suggesting that excessive potassium, whether applied-, obtained from- or accumulated in growing media, can have a negative impact on the health of plants, especially in the absence of adequate calcium and magnesium levels. In other words, K is not antagonistic to N, but it is to Ca and Mg.

[Phal grower]

Originally Posted by InspirChid1712

I just started using superthrive this spring, after having grown orchids in natural substrates for many years. WOW!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I have noticed especially that it has prompted much more root growth than I have seen in years past. Also, they seem to have put out larger and more numerous new growths. Highly recommended!!! Get some!!! :-D

Elliot, I just got some superthrive and was wondering how much you use per gal. Thanks

[orchids3]

Could you give me the reference to the study you are quoting?
The study or report I read does say thet K is antagonistic to N, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu.
N is antagonistic to K.
It looks like it might be anvantageous to drop K during the fast growth or vegatative stage and raise it during the flowering stage - in species that have a distinct cycle that can be observed and conditions in native habitats.
I would like to study this more.

[Ray]

My knowledge on the subject comes from two books, Mineral Nutrition in Higher Plants by Marschner, and Vascular Epiphytes by Denzing, and from discussions with individuals doing research, currently unpublished.

I don't quite grasp the potassium-flowering connection, as I am seeing better blooming than ever out of some plants, and that is being reported pretty broadly among the group.

[Pilot]

I'm just about out of my regular fert I use on all my plants-- I may have to try out this Solo Ray sells. I'm intrigued!

[RJSquirrel]

the subject of superthrive...the other side of the coin, I have stopped using it bec its the only common link I can find to the yellowing new growths on all my paphs. the new paphs I have will not get superthrive and ill be able to verify this conditions source. i have no spotty yellow leaves on the new plants. it doesnt seem to bother the plants its just ugly. I dont like ugly leaves. if its not the Superthrive then the same condition will persist and i dont know what the hell it is.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

the subject of superthrive...the other side of the coin, I have stopped using it bec its the only common link I can find to the yellowing new growths on all my paphs. the new paphs I have will not get superthrive and ill be able to verify this conditions source. i have no spotty yellow leaves on the new plants. it doesnt seem to bother the plants its just ugly. I dont like ugly leaves. if its not the Superthrive then the same condition will persist and i dont know what the hell it is.

How much have you been using?