New Nutrient/Stimulant - Orchid Board

Ray · #1 02-04-2012, 01:28 PM

Thanks to folks here and a couple of other forums, I became intrigued by the supposed benefits of seaweed additives. It's pretty well established that they contain natural hormones, but some of the reports that I have seen seem to sound more like "snake oil" than anything of real scientific value.

As you know, I'm never satisfied with just word-of-mouth or conjecture, so I started doing a little digging. Apparently, depending upon the particular species of seaweed (mostly kelp) there are as many as eight natural auxins and six natural cytokinins identified in them. Gibberellins are also often present, but are so chemically unstable that they degrade rapidly no matter how the materials are processed, so really don't play a role in their use.

Auxins, such as those found in K-L-N and SuperThrive, are known to stimulate the growth of new root tips, while cytokinins tend to have more of an influence on the upper growth of the plant. Interestingly, it's the new root tips that produce cytokinins naturally, so it seems that auxins are probably a better supplement than are straight cytokinins.

In researching seaweeds, I found a great deal of variability in the resulting chemical analysis of their extracts. To some extent it depends upon the species used, but how the seaweed is collected, stored, and processed may play an even bigger role. Best I can tell, most commercial seaweed products are higher in cytokinins that auxins, but I did find one that is significantly higher in auxins.

Having gotten a very generous sample of it, I began experimenting first with my tropical houseplants, and was so impressed with the response (bigger leaves standing more upright, renewed growth, and even flowering in plants that had not done so for decades) that I started applying it in the greenhouse. Anecdotal evidence that it may be, I perceive that my plants are growing better, and producing flowers that are bigger and with deeper colors then I have seen in former years.

Duplicating my fertilizer + seaweed application rates, I have just begun to produce a combination product that I now offer for sale at my store. I will "go public" via an ad in "Orchids" magazine starting in March, but as the folks here are some of my favorite online friends, I thought I'd give you all an opportunity for an early peek.

I have named the product "Solo" (as it's the "only" product needed), and through the end of this month, if you use the coupon code "OB" at checkout, you will get two dollars off each bottle. If any of you will be at the NCOS Paph Forum on the 18th, I'll have some there. You won't get the discount, but you won't pay shipping either.

Merlyn · #2 02-04-2012, 02:55 PM

One question, Ray, is the fertilizer you use to mix with the seaweed urea free ?

billc · #3 02-04-2012, 03:20 PM

I'm going to go broke buying stuff from you Ray.

Bill

Ray · #4 02-04-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlyn

One question, Ray, is the fertilizer you use to mix with the seaweed urea free ?

Yes. I use the MSU stuff to make it.

Merlyn · #5 02-04-2012, 03:59 PM

Do you do PayPal, Ray ?

tucker85 · #6 02-04-2012, 04:16 PM

It was very interesting to read your posting, Ray. I've been a big fan of seaweed products since I started using them a couple of years ago. I have high regard for your opinions since I know you do a lot of research before coming to a conclusion. I'm glad to see that you've confirmed what a few of us here in South Florida have observed for a while now. That seaweed extracts have some very observable positive effects on orchids. I've noticed most of the effects that you mentioned and another one is more fragrance in some orchids. It sounds like you have a real winner of a product there. Congratulations.

silken · #7 02-04-2012, 04:27 PM

I hope you will ship me some to Canada??

I haven't checked it out on your website yet but do you have both MSU formulations of it? (R/O / rain and well/tap)

camille1585 · #8 02-04-2012, 07:02 PM

Nice to see someone has finally done some sort of research on seaweed extract! I always thought that it was just another of those 'miracle' products, but I guess not. I'm going to try to locate seaweed extract over here and give it a go!

FairyInTheFlowers · #9 02-04-2012, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silken

I hope you will ship me some to Canada??

I haven't checked it out on your website yet but do you have both MSU formulations of it? (R/O / rain and well/tap)

I hope you are planning on getting some for the OS, as I would totally buy some!!!