Probiotics - which to use, how to expand, how to dose and how to store

[DavTom]

Hi all,

I made a search in the forum and I did not find a thread covering all these topics, so I thought to create one. Apologies if there is already one - please re-direct me there.

I live in the Netherlands and here Quantum orchids is not available. Thanks to some suggestions, in particular from Ray regarding EM-1, I have bought an EM-1 bottle of 1 Liter. This is the url Effektive Mikroorganismen - das Ursprungsprodukt | EMIKO Online Shop

I am a newbie to probiotics, so I have started reading a lot on the Internet. But as we all know, on Internet the truth is always mixed with myths... Based on what I have read so far, I have the following questions:

- Is the EM-1 product I bought a good product? It has an EMRO certificate and GMO declaration. The price is 30 Eur for 1 Liter shipping included
- Is it different from the Quantum product? If so what is the difference? Maybe I can compensate for it by adding something else to it?
- Should I use the recommended dose on the label for orchids (my orchids are all in S/H)? The label says 20ml/liter but does not say anything about the frequency of dosing (e.g., once per month?)
- How long can the bottle be stored and at what temperatures? The label says to store it between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius. The expiration date is 1 year with the bottle closed, once opened it says to consume quickly. What does it mean quickly??
- I have read that the EM-1 ready to use (like the one in the bottle I bought) does have a less effective bacterial concentration with respect to the expanded EM1 (i.e., the one expanded and fermented with molasses). Is it true?
- There are tons of websites and videos showing how to expand it. I could not find two different sources stating the same process or ingredients!
- For instance, why is molasses used instead of simple white sugar? Because the molasses contains required minerals? Well, if this is the only reason I could add those minerals myself and use white sugar that is easier to procure and probably much less expensive
- All the molasses are OK? It seems not, but it is still not clear what exact type of molasses should be used as they likely have an effect on the PH.
- I have read that the expanded EM is ready to use when the fermentation has been completed and this can be monitored via PH reading. When the PH drops around 3.5 the expanded solution is ready to use. Is this strictly true?
- The expanded EM1 should be used within a few weeks from preparation. Is it true? And at what temperature should be stored?
- I have also read that you can not expand EM1 from an expanded solution as otherwise, the concentration of the different bacteria would not be anymore in the correct proportion.

Well...I am sure the more I will keep reading the more issues I will find.

Anybody can help me answer all those issues and maybe more?

Many thanks in advance.

Dav