Rooting Hormones

[jmrathbun]

I have a paph that has lost its roots though the leaves remain green and turgid. I've had it out of the pot for the past two weeks, hoping it would regrow some roots. Is there any sort of hormone or other treatment I can use to hasten the process?

[Leafmite]

If you can find a kelp solution for plants, that might work well for encouraging roots. I saved a few plants that way.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Kelpmax is highly recommended by many members here. Ray (OB member) sells it through his business, Firstrays.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Kelpmax is highly recommended by many members here. Ray (OB member) sells it through his business, Firstrays.

I'll second that. Since I began using Kelpmax I've gotten really amazing root growth.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'll second that. Since I began using Kelpmax I've gotten really amazing root growth.

I'll 3rd That! My orchids have ALL shown a significant surge in root growth, new leaves, and spiking. I use 1/4 tsp. Per gallon of water, and use it at every watering. I won't be without it from here on out!

[Arizona Jeanie]

Wait, What? I could be spraying Kelpmax on? Does that give different results than soaking the roots? Enlighten me please, Ray!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

I use 1/4 tsp. Per gallon of water, and use it at every watering.

It is intended to be used at 1:256 (1 tablespoon per gallon), and ONLY once a month, unless you are trying to rescue, or get a plant established.

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Arizona Jeanie

Wait, What? I could be spraying Kelpmax on? Does that give different results than soaking the roots? Enlighten me please, Ray!

Spraying may-, or may not be as effective as adding it to your irrigation solution. I have always done the latter, although I'll admit the entire plant was usually soaked in the process of watering - and often, so was I!

Because of the waxy cuticle layers many orchids have on their leaves, intended to reduce water loss, they are also not particularly good at foliar uptake. None are particularly good, but plants with thin leaves like coelogynes, and phaius are better than stuff like vandas and phalaenopsis.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Ray

It is intended to be used at 1:256 (1 tablespoon per gallon), and ONLY once a month, unless you are trying to rescue, or get a plant established.

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------



Spraying may-, or may not be as effective as adding it to your irrigation solution. I have always done the latter, although I'll admit the entire plant was usually soaked in the process of watering - and often, so was I!

Because of the waxy cuticle layers many orchids have on their leaves, intended to reduce water loss, they are also not particularly good at foliar uptake. None are particularly good, but plants with thin leaves like coelogynes, and phaius are better than stuff like vandas and phalaenopsis.

Ray, do you think it's harmful to use it super weakly at every watering like I have been? I haven't seen anything but great results. You know best though...

[Ray]

...And it's on sale through Saturday!

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of KelpMax in a gallon of "warmish" water.
2. Completely immerse the plant and leave that way for a few hours.
   
3. Without rinsing, pot it up normally.
   
4. Water it in with the KelpMax solution.
   
5. Invert a clear plastic bag over the plant and pot, to trap the humidity, and keep it in a shady location. It does not need to be sealed.
   
6. The next two times you water it, use that same concentration of KelpMax solution.

After that, add it to your normal watering and feeding regimen once a month.

[camille1585]

Here's a thought about Kelpmax and the EU version Kelpak that's been going through my head a lot. If it's so amazing, and even gets praised in scientific journals (I found several articles), why is is so hard to get a hold of??? Is it only made in small quantities? All the EU sites I have found only sell to professionals. As a consumer it's impossible to get it.