KELPAK

[NewBloom]

1. Is Kelpak okay to use orchids with spikes or already in bloom? I have a potinara that's just about to bloom that has two 1/2 grown canes and it's got new roots.

I also have a howeara (sp) Lava Burst that has spikes but still is putting out roots. I recently bought Kelpak but haven't used it yet.


2. What are your recommendations on transitioning from KLN to Kelpak?

I have an s/h experiment going with 3 orchids with few roots. I've used KLN since last week to encourage new root formation. I'm debating whether it's best to continue with KLN or switch to Kelpak. Is there a period of "no growth/root stimulators" one should observe before switching products?

[Ray]

I would suspect that as both contain hormones, you should wait about two weeks since your last treatment before switching.

The use of auxins during spike development should lead to internode elongation, but I have not noted that. I have been using it through entire bloom cycles and have seen no negatives.

[DTEguy]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have been using it through entire bloom cycles and have seen no negatives.

Was this root only or entire plant spraying?

[empiref]

Originally Posted by DTEguy

Was this root only or entire plant spraying?

I am sure Ray was using it through his normal watering regimen, as I am doing.

[empiref]

Here's the result with another Cymbidium, 8 weeks into Semi-Hydro, and 5th time after using KELPAK at 1:500 ratio. There are also 6 new bubls growing.

[FrankP999]

Ray,
Is a diluted solution of kelpak stable for a couple of weeks? Thanks

[Ray]

Originally Posted by FrankP999

Ray,
Is a diluted solution of kelpak stable for a couple of weeks? Thanks

Yes, as long as the solution pH is <7

[DTEguy]

Originally Posted by empiref

I am sure Ray was using it through his normal watering regimen, as I am doing.

Those are really incredible results. I forgot we are still in the s/h thread--just trying to figure out if if spraying foliage with high auxin level will interfere with blooming on mounted plants.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DTEguy

Those are really incredible results. I forgot we are still in the s/h thread--just trying to figure out if if spraying foliage with high auxin level will interfere with blooming on mounted plants.

My experience with mounted plants is this:

Phal honghensis - 3 spikes and about a month of flowering; more blossoms that lasted longer than ever before.

Lowara Judy Barrick - 3 & 4 blossoms per spike, instead of the usual 2 or 3. I could not discern a change in blossom lifetime.

(Another brassavola hybrid I cannot recall the name of) - same as the lowara.

Various tolumnias - more blossoms per spike, possibly spaced a bit wider apart (not much, if at all.)