Hormones - How Do I Use Them?

[Windy]

In a previous thread, it was recommended I buy K-L-N and Superthrive. I now have both, but am at a loss. How do I use them?

Do I use both or would that be overkill?

My thinking is this...add Superthrive to fertilized water once a month (about 3 drops per gal) and only use K-L-N when I'm trying to save an orchid. Any help will be appreciated.

I bought 2 new orchids (now have 7) and want to repot and give them a "good start", but I'm so confused (I'm old and entitled ).

[Beaveljeez]

Superthrive needs to be used WITH a fertilizer to be of any real use. Some people don't think it works, but I have brought many plants that seemed too far gone back to life with it. Orchids started to root when it seemed like all hope would be lost. You can use Superthrive between fertilizing and it won't hurt. I use it in my mister to keep em moist outside. I don't use K-L-N but that's my input on the Thrive. I agree with your thinking on the usage of it.

[RosieC]

I use KLN once a week, diluted at 1 drop per gallon. I use it on all my orchids but I bought it specifically to help one which was struggling (currently it's growing new roots and a new leaf).

I don't use superthrive so I can't really comment on that, or on whether you should use a combination of both.

[BikerDoc5968]

Just because I'm a retired physician doesn't mean I'm an expert regarding the use of "hormones"! First off, I'm too old for them to do me any good! Maybe Ray will see this and chime in 'cause he KNOWS all about this stuff and somewhere has posted a very excellent explanation of just how and when to use these products! But from what I've read, most of the popular hormone products, like SuperThrive, KLN or Hormex, all contain Vit B-1 (Thiamin). In addition to this, SuperThrive contains 1-Naphthyl acetic acid. KLN contains Indole-3-Butyric Acid, 1-Napthaleneacetic Acid along with some "essential minerals". Hormex is very similar to KLN but has no minerals and is more concentrated! I can't recall but I know one of these is better for root stimulation than the other and unless this is your intended use I don't use them. I was using them with some frequency on phals and found that the spikes grew weird and the flowers were not nice! This is my LIMITED experience and my not be so for everyone. I know there are lots of growers that use these products all the time with different results. I do use Hormex or SuperThrive as a "soak" when repotting, but a VERY weak solution.

[tuvoc]

I started using SuperThrive about a year ago, mainly as a soak when repotting. I'm convinced that it has improved rooting in All the plants I've used it on.

Kim

[Ray]

SuperThive and K-L-N can be used interchangeably.

Reiterating a lot of Doc's post, SuperThrive contains vitamin B1, which is a root growth stimulant on its own, NAA, a synthetic rooting hormone, and a variety of unspecified organic stuff that may- or may not be of any significant benefit. I suspect it has stuff like humic acid and kelp extract, for example. I am a proponent of humic acid use, but add it separately, as I can "up" the dosage.

K-L-N contains B1, NAA, and IBA, another root growth stimulant. Those "essential minerals" are most likely normal fertilizer components existing as compounds with the hormones, as the "pure" hormones are not particularly water soluble. As they are present, by law they are supposed be published on the label, so K-L-N has a negligible 0.009-0.011-0.006 contribution.

Personally, I prefer K-L-N, as it contains both NAA and IBA. One is intended to enhance root initiation, the other branching and growth - I don't recall which does what - and one simply gets more hormone concentration for the money.

As far as their application goes, I add a teaspoon per gallon for watering when I repot. If the plant is going into S/H culture, the final soak for the medium is also at that concentration, and I water the plant in with it. After that, the norm is to add about a drop or two per gallon as a fertilizer additive. That can be done at every watering or on a periodic basis at that slight concentration; problems begin when using large doses for a long time. I have seen deformed phalaenopsis flowers when using a teaspoon per gallon continuously, and heard that vegetative growth can also be stunted.

I no longer use it on a regular basis, as I feed my fertilizer through a dosing pump from a 30-gallon concentrate tank, and the heat and light would just degrade the hormones. If I added a full 8-ounce bottle to the tank (to get 1 drop/gal final dosing), it would be good immediately, but probably worthless the next time I watered.

I also feel that it is not a necessary additive. In fact, if you are doing a good job of growing your plants, using it will likely show absolutely no advantage. If your culture is "iffy" on the other hand, it may "redeem you from some of your sins", hence have a value. If that's your situation, I would urge you to study a bit more and learn how to improve your overall culture instead, but all of us have done something wrong from time to time, so it's a good recovery tool.

[Windy]

Thanks for the great input from all of you. This should help me determine when I plan to use either.

I've already lost one orchid due to bad roots when purchased (couldn't see them). I have another that's struggling and I'm hoping either of these hormones will help.

At this point, I think I'll use the KLN on struggling plants and use the Superthrive as an additive to fertilized water once a month on those that are doing okay.

Again, thanks very much!

[BikerDoc5968]

Windy, step back a moment and read what Ray had to say at the end of his post.... Most importantly, we've all done "bad things" on the road to growing better orchids.... G-d knows I've had my fair share of crown rot and root rot! All the drugs and chemicals in your arsenal won't save a plant with bad roots or neglect when over watering is the issue or whatever the errors might be in your growing technique . Good growing habits reward all of us with great plants! If the plant that died and the current plant of which you speak in the above post were/are newly purchased and you can't see the roots and it isn't doing well and haven't a clue as top what's going on inside the pot then, flower spike or not, YOU MUST UNPOT AND LOOK AND TAKE THE NECESSARY COURSE TO SAVE THAT PLANT, PERIOD!!!!! If the spike/flower drop, so be it. It will flower next time around but if the plant dies because of root rot, you'd better take lots of pictures 'cause you ain't gonna see the flowers again! Been there, done that! You can use all the KLN/SuperThrive/Hormex you want and it's still one dead chid!

[orchidsamore]

Both Superthrice and KLN are called rooting hormones because they have ABT hormone which is a very good and strong hormone.

The problem and the reason it is not on the label is it is diluted 1,000,000 to one in KLN and probably more in Superthrive. It then is lower than the requirement for inclusion on the label.

I found the dilution amounts on the Internet on some very old KLN sales literature.

I think the main effect of both is that you are paying attention to the plants and watering and fertilizing regular.

I use Essentials from Growth Products. It is Gibberelic Acid which is very similar to ABT but is in the product at the ratio of 10,000 to 1. It can successfully root hibiscus stem cuttings to give you an idea of its effect.

I have used it for over a year and can grow small 98 plug tray seedings to a pot bound 2 inch pot in 8 weeks. I have used Superthrive in the past and it was nothing in comparison.

[BikerDoc5968]

Jerry, could you post a website/source for this product? Or is it something you purchase locally in Ft Myers?