Using K-L-N & Pro-tekt

[Pinkcat]

Hello everyone
I have some KLN and protekt I would like to use, but am a little confused.
Some say that you shouldn't use KLN during blooming season because it will cause bud blast or stalling of spikes? Is that true? When should I use it and is it OK to mix with the fertilizer?
Do I mix the protekt in after the fertilizer? (it says something like that on the bottle) How often should I use it?
Thanks for all advice!

[cb977]

Hi Ami

I've never used Protekt so I can't help you there but I add a few drops (4 or 5) of either KLN or SuperThrive to every gallon of my fertilized mix. I alternate between the two.

[Ross]

KLN is for root stimulation. My feelings are to reserve this for transplanting time. Protekt is a silicone product that is supposed to increase the plant's abilities to deal with heat and stress. Don't know if this is true but I use Protekt every watering. I used to use KLN in the normal watering mix, but have ceased as I doubt it is needed till we need new root stimulation. Just my opinion.

[Ross]

I should have responded to direct questions:

Originally Posted by Pinkcat

Some say that you shouldn't use KLN during blooming season because it will cause bud blast or stalling of spikes? Is that true?

When I was using it regularly my orchids were blooming as normal - maybe better-than-normal in a couple cases. I don't use it as an admixture now.

Originally Posted by Pinkcat

When should I use it and is it OK to mix with the fertilizer?

I would recommend using KLN only when transplanting orchids or when you are trying to stimulate root growth. It is safe to mix right in with regular fertilizer.

Originally Posted by Pinkcat

Do I mix the protekt in after the fertilizer? (it says something like that on the bottle) How often should I use it?
Thanks for all advice!

The Protekt can be mixed in with the fertilizer. I use MSU mix for RO water and mix in 1/2 tsp Protekt per gallon with the fertilizer. Hope this helps.

[Oscarman]

I use ProTekt with every watering and KLN during active growth. Have not heard of any negative results of continuous use.

[gixrj18]

Just like Susanne, I haven't used Protecht, but I love K-L-N. The grower I get most of my good orchids from has always told me to use the K-L-N only with bloom fertilizer. That way, it builds up it's roots during, and a little while after, the bloom cycle. Then when the new growth starts, raise the nitrogen (give it growth fertilizer), and it will take off. Because the high phosphate and potassium content in the bloom food helps with new root growth. This way the plant dedicates it's cycles to certain things, instead of trying to do everything at once. I have followed his instructions religiously, and I've had nothing but wonderful results. Plus, I've never seen anything but huge, beautiful flowers come out of his greenhouse. If you want to see my bloom/root recipe, check out my reply in the thread entitled: "promoting new roots on a vanda" in the "Vanda alliance" forum.

[Pinkcat]

Aaah- you guys are the best! Just in time for my new little plants. Thanks again for the help.