Orchid Pro Supplement - Orchid Board

moogiemama · #1 12-01-2008, 07:21 PM

Hi everyone - I was forwarded some information on another gardening site about a product called Orchid Pro, and looked it up. It is made by Turf Pro.

" Orchid Pro is 100% naturally organic and meets USDA standards for organic use and is one of our many products that carry the US EPA 'Design for the Environment' seal."

My question is: has anyone here ever heard of this, or tried it? I only just learned about it today but cannot say whether or not it works. If it is all right to give the web site and other information, I will be happy to do so. Someone on the other site contacted a chemist/chem engineer they know, and got some specific technical answers about this product, but I was wondering what someone with experience using the product might have to say.

Thanks in advance, and I hope I have addressed the correct forum! - Lynn

Becca · #2 12-01-2008, 10:39 PM

Well I haven't used it but did a quick search and this is what I have found so far:

eco-friendly directory of natural products and organic food

I am interested to hear what others think of it or if any one has used it as well?

moogiemama · #3 12-01-2008, 11:23 PM

Yes, that's the site I found. Someone posted some info from their friend on the other site:

"my friend explained to me that apparently, a chelated iron molecule is about 60 nanometers (wide?) and an orchid's pores are about 40 nanometers, so, chelated iron molecule is too big, but the Iron sulfate molecule is only 20 namometers, so, it works very well. Apparently, chelated iron is perfect for most flowers, grass, etc. In fact, chelated Iron is what they put in their TurfPro product. Same microbes and nutrients and trace elements, but, different iron. I guess chelated iron is great for everything else, but, for orchids, you need a slightly different type of iron molecule. Can you tell he is a chemist/engineer? Anyway, I have seen his orchids, and they are beautiful and healthy, so, I will just go with his recommendation. I think you are right, however, in that it is much more than just the iron, but, rather the 'complete package of microbiology and trace elements' etc..."

I'd like to know if anyone can verify what was said, or has tried the product and found it to be effective.

- Lynn

OrchidLover40 · #4 12-12-2008, 10:55 PM

MoogieMama-If you love your orchids, and I am sure you do, then, you will be extremely satisfied with OrchidPro by TurfPro. JUST BE CAREFUL and DON"T CONFUSE IT with products that have similar names. I live in Central Florida, and the company is located nearby in Eustis. The manager of product development is a real orchid lover, actually a lover of all plants, but, especially passionate about Orchids and Bromeliads. According to him, the liquefaction of the raw material has always been a simple process using cold water to preserve the beneficial microbes, and they spent a couple of years tweaking the original formula to optimize it for Orchids, Bromeliads, and Roses. Its a fixture at my house, and my plants love it. I am very committed to organics, and I use their lawncare liquid on my lawn, shrubs and fruit trees also. Everything they make is sourced from the same material, so, all of their products are all natural and organic. They just look healthier, stronger and the colors are more vibrant. My experience is that the claims are true, it "Makes orchids stronger, healthier, more pest and disease resistant with stronger root systems." I used to have a problem with scale on my Bromeliads, this COMPLETELY eliminated it. I hope you have good results like I have. Please write back and let me know. I hope this is helpful to you!

moogiemama · #5 12-13-2008, 01:14 AM

Thank you for the endorsement! I have been waiting on two different gardening sites for someone to give some feedback before purchasing. I will give it a try and let you know how things go.

I see this is your first post! Welcome! - Lynn

Becca · #6 12-13-2008, 01:21 AM

I might give it a try as well!

AHAB · #7 12-13-2008, 01:23 AM

How much do you add per gallon?
Thanks,
AHAB

Becca · #8 12-13-2008, 12:02 PM

Hi! I am not trying to hijack this thread so I hope you don't me asking....so can this product be used with other products? And I was also wondering if this product is similar to a product I have seen advertised in the AOS Magazine called Orchid Champion. And if it is not the same, can they be used together? I may start a new thread for Orchid Champion as I want to find out if others have used that as well. I guess I just want to find out what the difference might be between these two products. Here is the link to Orchid Champion: Orchid Champion - Learn more about the growing secrets. They state that it is Bacteria free and a secret enzyme formula so is it different from Orchid Pro?

OrchidLover40 · #9 12-14-2008, 11:03 AM

Hi Becca. Well, I can say one thing for certain, Orchid Pro is different from Orchid Champion, and among other things, it is about half of the price. Orchid Pro is about $16-$20 for a quart, and Orchid Champion is $36.95 for a liter, which is a little less than a quart, so, more expensive,twice as much, basically. Of course, if it works, it is worth it, and I can't speak to that about Orchid Champion. I can, however, say that I know firsthand that Orchid Pro works, and is less expensive, so, that's what I use. Another thing, Orchid Pro specifically INCLUDES many types of bacteria as part of the complete microbiology package. According to TurfPro, the bacteria and all the other microbiology are a significant part of what makes Orchid Pro so good for your plants. Healthy soil contains Millions of bacteria, I am sure you have heard of the Soil Food Web and all. Finally, according to the company (I asked, since I don;t want to get this wrong), Orchid Pro is 100% all natural, and you can use it in combination with whatever you want. As we all know, orchids are very delicate creatures, but, all of the TurfPro products, especially Orchid Pro basically cannot be overapplied. If you use too much, you are wasting it, but, it won't harm your plants. Hope that was helpful, best of luck with your growing.

OrchidLover40 · #10 12-14-2008, 11:16 AM

Hello AHAB. You asked about the Orchid Pro application rates. They recommend using between 1 ounce and 3 ounces per gallon of water. The product is a brown liquid, and if used in to strong a dose if it is sprayed on the flower it may temporarily spot. I have not had any issues with spotting, but, that's what they said. I acually use it 4 ounces to a gallon (that way, I get 8 gallons of spray per quart) and have had great results, and no problems at all. If you have just a few orchids, and they are growing inside, you can just dunk the pot in the mix, and never even worry about foliar feeding. This is easy if you have just a few plants. Wherever I can, I do this and also light foliar spray.