KELPAK

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Discus

I can get it in my local supermarket, but then I live in the country where it's made.

Hello Discus,

How long have you been using KELPAK on orchids? and at 1:500 ratio?

[NiNiDazzle]

Might be a silly question, but does it smell? I am currently growing indoors and smells would be a no-no. Especially if the smell gets stronger over time.

[empiref]

Originally Posted by NiNiDazzle

Might be a silly question, but does it smell? I am currently growing indoors and smells would be a no-no. Especially if the smell gets stronger over time.

No NiNiDazzle, it doesn't smell at all.

[NiNiDazzle]

Originally Posted by empiref

No NiNiDazzle, it doesn't smell at all.

That's great! I guess I'll be ordering some soon. I'm almost out of MSU.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by NiNiDazzle

That's great! I guess I'll be ordering some soon. I'm almost out of MSU.

Kelpak is NOT a fertilizer! It is a growth supplement, to be used at the same time as your fertilizer, MSU or other. Ray does sell a combo product (Solo), which is fert+kelpak.

[NiNiDazzle]

Thanks. I understand. I meant that I'm almost out of MSU and I need to re-order therefore I'll pick up some Kelpak to try at the same time. Better bang for the buck on shipping.

If I plan on using the Kelpak with every watering (S/H) should I still use it a at 500:1 ratio or less? I use MSU with every watering at half recommended strength.

[DelawareJim]

I just started using it about a week ago and plan to use it at each watering which right now is weekly but may be twice weekly as the weather warms and growth really starts. I'm shooting for roughly 1:1000 as what Zxyqu is using (see the Superthrive thread). It's easy to measure, 1:1000 is 1 ml per litre. If you wanted to go 1:500 , it's 2 ml per litre.

Cheers.
Jim

[empiref]

I started using mine a week ago, and used it at a 1:500 ratio. It's been only 3 months since I have acquired a good orchid fertilizer, and my orchids needs the extra push!

[Ray]

Kelpak has a slight seaweed odor right out of the bottle, but it is not really noticeable in the as-applied solution. Reminds me of being at the beach!

A lot of folks ask for application rate recommendations, and the simple fact is that nobody has a lot of experiences with it and orchids, so WE are the ones learning it. The recommendations I got concerning ornamental plants from the producer are as follows:

As a transplant dip (let it soaks for several minutes) - 1:128

As a drench (i.e., as a watering additive) - anywhere from 1:500 up to 1:128. (Never apply at less than 1:500, as there is no effect.)

Some non-metric, household measures for concentration:

1 oz/gal - 1:128
1 Tbsp/gal - 1:256
2 tsp/gal - 1:384
1 tsp/gal - 1:768
3/4 tsp/gal - 1:1024

Concerning the continuous/periodic application, there are several theories - or should I say opinions - out there. The producer recommends never treating more than every two weeks. The thought being that the application of hormones "turns on" biological processes, and they continue to operate for about that length of time. More-frequent application can over-stress the plants.

The approach taken by others is to substantially lower the dosage rate, and apply it with every watering.

Personally, I have been applying at about 1:400 at every watering, and don't see issues at this point.

[empiref]

Thank you Ray,

I have been using it at 1:500 ratio, I have a graduated syringe and I measure exactly 2 ml with every 1 liter of water as a supplement to my fertilizer.

Yesterday I used Kelpak for the second time and I'm planing on keeping that regimen and I will report back with the results.