super thrive questions

[kindrag23]

I have a cattleya and a hybrid mini phal that are in not the greatest shape. I also have 2 cymbodiums coming in. I have heard that super thrive works really well. I know its 1 drop or 1/4 tsp for a gal of water. Do I set. Plants medium and all in there or do I place them in bare root.

[tucker85]

Growers who use Superthrive usually just add it to their fertilizer water and either pour some into the mix or spray it on the plant. Just like fertilizing but with a drop of Superthrive added. Setting the entire pot in your fertilizer or Superthrive usually isn't recommended because you can transfer disease from one orchid to another, but I admit, I have done it in the past.

[kindrag23]

Okay. Well when I water I will give it a shot. All of my new orchids are quarantined for a few weeks to make sure they are healthy and wont give any of the others a
Disease or infection. So far that has prevented any massive destruction to my orchids.....at least of the parasitic kind that is....me on the other hand not so much...

[MrHappyRotter]

I can't say I've noticed any dramatic results from regular use of Superthrive. That being said, I usually mix some into my fertilizer about once a month in the growing season. When I used it more regularly, I didn't see any difference, so I cut back, but continue to use it just in case. I almost never use it in the winter. I've been told it contains plant growth hormones, so I figure winter is a good time to give the plants a rest from it.

The situation where I have noticed a big difference, at least anecdotally, is when I repot. Before repotting, I let the plant (pot and all) soak in water mixed with Superthrive at about 1 tsp per gallon. When I do this, I've seen significant reduction of root shock.

So, in general, my experience has been that Superthrive doesn't really seem to be that effective at reviving plants, but it does seem to be useful for preventing stress and keeping healthy plants in good shape.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Superthrive is one of those additives that many folks feel very strongly about, good or bad.

I am a bit distrustful of the product due to the bizarre labeling and claims on the package. Also, one version of the labeling claims 15% solids content but discloses very little about what most of that 15% is. I have nothing against using plant hormones or other additives, but I want to know what I am applying and why.

The choice to use any product is an individual one, just do you due diligence and know what you are using. As Mrhappyrotter has indicated, results are mixed. Some folks are happy with it, others report no positive results.

[kindrag23]

Well I am getting slightly distressed trying to save this mini phal and cattleya

[Kevin_PR]

What exactly is wrong with the plants. Cattleya if you try and repot it while not in active root growth you might set it back. Other than fertilizer I don't use anyother chemical on my plants it might upset their balance. Same thing as in the human body, when we r sick our body tries to regain homeostasis and adding chemicals just means we have to work harder to rid ourselves of any toxins and impurities. When my plants have rot I just remove the rotted area and see what happens. If the plants are not dying but not growing either I'd say give them some time, maybe some cultural changes are in order, as far as light, temp, and water. I might sound like a hypocrite but don't stress over the plant(easier said than done)

---------- Post added at 05:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 PM ----------

again I don't know exactly whats wrong w ur plants I'm just throwing out ideas. Superthrive is in no way gonna save your plants.

[kindrag23]

Root rot I have been fighting to keep this cat alive for about 2 months now.
The mini phal, has been having issues since I got it. It now only has 2 good roots and lost its 3rd. I am fighting to keep them alive.

I keep seeing super thrive popping up on threads so I was wondering

[Bud]

I use superthrive sparingly on my plants on ICU for root growth....otherwise I wont use it for my healthy plants because it contains hormones that might disfigure flowers or create weird leaf formation. I only use a couple of drops on a gallon of water.

[Kevin_PR]

If it has root rot then you should not be soaking them in the same water, in fact don't even soak them. Rotten roots are a lost cause, they won't get better cut off all the rotten roots. Use fresh medium. You are either watering with too much frequency, or the roots are not getting enough circulation. I used to be an overwaterer, then I switched to all clay pots and the orchids improved, then I moved most of my plants to baskets, finally to mounts. Now I can water the plants to my hearts content. Since these plants have almost no roots you should water them less till you see new roots coming out.