Adventures in KelpMax

[K-Sci]

This experiment was undertaken to see if overdosing KelpMax produced exaggerated outcomes that would serve as supporting evidence for the product claims at the label dosing. Based on the outcomes observed, I have no doubt that KelpMax stimulates growth of root and top-growth meristems. An additional observation is that, overdosing KelpMax stimulates growth in one area (e.g. more profuse root growth or multiple leads) but at least to some extent at the cost of growth in another area (e.g. new growth size). While kelpmax appears to cause new growths that subsequently grow roots, I’ve seen no evidence that overdosing can cause new roots to grow from old bare rootless stems.

Returning to the topic of normal dosing. Based on the overdosing outcomes, it seems likely that using KelpMax at the label dose will help plants with insufficient roots establish more quickly, increase the likelihood that stems will branch, and increase the likelihood that old rootless back-divisions will start new growths, root, and therefore survive.

I should also mention that, with the exception of the C. leopoldii which had good roots, the back divisions with few roots got soaked overnight in KelpMax at 1Tbs/gal. All plants were overdosed with labeled doses applied at every watering rather than the prescribed once per month.

At this point I feel that the outcomes have provided the evidence I was seeking and I have discontinued this overdosing experiment.Here is a summary describing some of the outcomes. I will post photos if there is any interest:

• A healthy one-lead mature C. intermedia grew three new leads, all maturing at about ¾ the size of the previous year’s growth. Additionally, a remarkable number of roots grew out of the basket to ramble along on the basket’s outside surfaces. I like this outcome because this plant may produce and flower from three rather than one new growths next spring, but this remains to be seen.

• The roots branched profusely on a vanda with many long unbranched roots hanging down about 2 feet below the basket. This orchid also started a new growth at its base. This vanda is flowering for the third time since the beginning of summer, though this may be due to a new heavy fertilizing schedule that also began this summer.

• A less than mature-sized back-division of a fully mature one-lead C. leopoldii “Sanbar Giant’ with plenty of healthy roots grew three new leads after division, all three smaller than the previous growths. Depending on the three-lead back-bulbs do this spring, I may eventually sell the original one-lead plant because the three-lead plant is likely to have three time the flowers in about two years.

• A leafless 4-bulb far-back division of C. intermedia grew two new leads, both maturing at a pathetic ¾ inches tall. It would have been better if this division had put out one new lead that achieved a larger size. Based on the size of the new bulbs, this plant may not bloom for 3-4 years. I may throw it out.

• A C. violacea back division with few roots grew two new leads, both maturing at about 1.5” tall. As with the forgoing C. intermedia, I would have rather it had 1 lead that was larger and more robust. This old division and the previous one might have had one new lead at normal KelpMax dosing.

• Two four-bulb C. violacea forward divisions with good roots divided at the beginning of the summer put out growths that matured at a smaller size then earlier bulbs, then flowered out of season this fall.

• A Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrid with one mature cane produced 10 new leads/keikis. I removed the first seven, which are now growing in individual pots at a size that will most likely bloom next year. The mother plant recently put out a spike.