Rooting Hormones - the good and bad

[Bob2741]

When I started using it I was told to look at it like a athelete on steriods and us it accordingly (is That A word) Ive always followed that rule. I can remenber in the 70's big thing was mix 5 birth control pills in 5 gal rain water to stimulate growth. IT stimulated growth ok but not in Orchids, After 6 kids I gave my wife back her birth control pills

[Jerry Delaney]

After 6 kids I gave my wife back her birth control pills

OMG Benny, I love it!!!! I have little doubt that there was definitely an observable difference in lots of things after 6 kids!!!
I have tried both Superthrive and KLN over the years, but in treating side by side pots of mainly Catts, I have been unable to tell any difference between those receiving rooting hormone or vitamins from those not receiving any. I think that any empirical data judged in the "eye of the beholder" is suspect. If one believes that it makes a real difference, I would say that, within reason, by all means use it. After all, how many things do most of us do to our orchids that is for OUR benefit and not the plants?

[orchidsamore]

KLN is only regular fertilizer with vitamin B1 added. Its formulation is in the literature.

Superthrice is also Vitamin B1 with some rooting hormones possibly IAB.

KLH could burn the same as any other fertilizer if used too strong.

Superthrive formula is not published but I do not believe it has any fertilizer in it.

High phosphorus fertilizers sold as Bloom Boost are bad for orchids. Phosphorus kills the beneficial microbes in the potting mix. There also is no evidence that it really boosts blooming. It just improves the profits of the manufacturer.

Phosphorus is the source of water pollution that is killing the everglades in Florida.

Most forms of phosphorus take 5 years to decompose.

[nhman]

After using Superthrive for over a year, I didn't really notice any significant good/bad changes to my orchids, so I've stopped using it.
I have used KLN during the winter and have wonderful roots on all plants. Now, the scientific question is - would they have the same root structure without?
Good question. Can't answer that one within a reasonable degree of scientific certainty.
I will probably continue to use KLN during the winter, however, unless I see any downsides to it's use. I am thinking about a small experiment, using two groups of 10 Catts, one with and one without the additive. Just the numbers would be too small for a real statistical analysis - could give a "suggestion" just not to a good statistical end point.
Good question, and good thread however!!
Alot of what we do in gardening and orchid growing is more emperic and less scientific.

[Amanda L]

Sandy, I'm fairly confident that the new growth, on a few at least, is due to the SuperThrive. My dens were on the verge of death, as well as 3 catts and a phal. I'm considering cutting back on some of the chids that are in great health. The sickies are still going to need the treatment until they are in good health. I don't fertilize much, I have to still order a good balanced one. The fertilizer that I have is for blooming. At this point I'm worried about growing strong roots and healthier plants. I do flush the medium with plain water about once a month, though. Just to clean things out.


P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! May the day bring you lots and lots of orchids!!!!

[phearamedusa]

Very intriguing thread, lots of info and ideas.

and a Sandy.

[Sun rm.N.E.]

I agree. Growth regulators make a very interesting topic.

My experience has been with KLN and I can say that it definitely affects both shoot and root growth for most orchids. The most obvious example, when I had trouble getting cattleyas to grow I put them in water culture (in desperation) with increasing concentration of KLN. A few orchids responded by producing as many as 8 new shoots, then roots. Others responded to smaller doses by producing healthy roots, and still others never developed more than a few aborted roots inspite of very high concentrations. However the poor response may simply indicate a plant too sick to respond.

KLN has indole butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Among other things they both affect new root growth and new shoot development but to different degrees. They are widely used in trying to produce plants faster commercially, sometimes from just very thin layers of plant cells. Most of the huge number of research papers found on the internet are only accessible to paying subscribers or for a fee and are not even on orchids. I found one free article in English about how with certain concentrations multiple shoots are produced on dendrobium and pasted the Google webpage I found it on, below if anyone is interested. It is the first reference listed on the page.

IBA NAA plant growth regulator in Orchids -SpringerLink - Google Scholar

[orchidsamore]

Sun rm N.E.

I agree IBA is a recognized root stimulate but last time I looked at the technical sheets it was not listed as an ingedient in either KLH or Superthrive.

From where does your information come?

When I buy IBA or gibberettic acid, they are as thick as mud. I doubt very much could be in the mix of KLH.

[Sun rm.N.E.]

Touche', Not listed on the container label.

SOURCE:

DYNA-GROW K-L-N Rooting concentrate ingredients from Dyna- Gro Brochure 2007 page 4

OR: http://www.dyna-gro.com/kln.htm


K-L-N Concentrate™ is a rooting solution
containing both IBA and NAA hormones to promote
vigorous root growth in trees, foliage and flowering
plants. Use it for propagating cuttings, air layering
and as a transplanting drench for newly potted plants. Drench, dip or mist your plants to stimulate new root growth.

[orchidsamore]

Unfortunately, I wonder if they list it on that sheet just to say it is there.

Usually if it is not in ingedients on the label, it is merely a trace compound.

The resaon is I use Gibberettic acid which works the same. But it costs $11,400 a 265 gallon bottle and IBA should be about the same or usually higher in price.

To sell at the price they sell, it has to be very little.

I use Essentials brand and like they give a full analysis and it is made from seaweed with no fertilizer added. Phosphorus kills the beneficial microbes negating at least part of the benefits.

i like to use products where I know everything I am using.

Also since that is a 2007 spec sheet they can eliminate it anytime without notice since it is not claimed on the label.