Anyone have experience w/Superthrive?! - Orchid Board

DasEmpress · #1 07-03-2007, 01:33 AM

I just rec'd some today, and promptly tried it out on a few usual suspects, with excitement, I must say..

does anyone have any tales to tell?

Ray · #2 07-03-2007, 07:35 AM

SuperThrive is an amalgamation of a number of organic materials, but the most significant are vitamin B1 and the synthetic hormone naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), both of which are root growth stimulants. It is a fertilizer supplement, not a replacement.

The NAA is a powerful, but unstable chemical, so it should be applied sparingly (one- or two drops of SuperThrive per gallon is sufficient), but not premixed and stored, as it degrades rapidly with heat and light. The concentrate should be stored cool and dark at all times.

It should not be applied continuously heavily, as 1) it is a waste and adds nothing to do so, and 2) it can lead to deformation of blossoms (I have only seen it in phalaenopsis), and I have heard that it can actually stunt the vegetative growth of the plant.

It is good as a presoak for new media @ 1 teaspoon per gallon (I use K-L-N, which has B1, NAA, and another rooting hormone, indole butyric acid [IBA], and is cheaper), and if you have root-rotted a plant, it can be a benefit to the recovery process. Personally, I see no benefit in using it as a regular additive if your culture is good to start with, but I also see no problems with a drop per gallon on a regular basis, and it may help with plants on the "marginal" side of root growth.

cb977 · #3 07-03-2007, 08:56 AM

I add 2 or 3 drops to each gallon of fertilized water I use.
I alternate between Superthrive and KLN.

I'm NOT recommending that anybody else do this...just telling what I do, that's all

michael_exler · #4 07-03-2007, 07:10 PM

i have used it for years with no adverse effects.
Do Not Use Too Much! It will deform Phalanopsis spikes if misused, and i have seen it personaly.
I use it as a suppliment with weak fertilizer and have see good results.
Remember a little goes a long way

Ross · #5 07-03-2007, 07:32 PM

I have used superthrive in past (very weak, mind you) just a couple drops per gal. I don't use it now with MSU mix as I don't think this is necessary.

dennis · #6 07-03-2007, 07:38 PM

I see no benefit in using it as a regular additive if your culture is good to start with

good point ray as most sites tell you that it is nothing more than snake oil