Molasses

[plumania]

I hope this is right section for my question.

Bought molasses because I read in several places it helps plants grow by providing necessary sugars.
I want to try using in small concentration, mixed with other fertilizers.

I would like to know if it attracts ants/bugs. Can someone help, please?

[tucker85]

I've used it a few times and it didn't attract bugs at reasonable concentrations. I've used as much as 1 tablespoon per gallon but usually about half that. You need to do a lot of shaking to keep it dissolved in the water. I only used it on bare root vandas and mounted orchids.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I've used it a few times and it didn't attract bugs at reasonable concentrations. I've used as much as 1 tablespoon per gallon but usually about half that. You need to do a lot of shaking to keep it dissolved in the water. I only used it on bare root vandas and mounted orchids.

Are we talking about regular molasses from Publix? Tucker, did you see any improvement? Sounds interesting, just wander if it has any value for Vandas?

[plumania]

Thanks.
I bought regular unsulphered molasses from Publix. I got only 1 vanda and it is bareroot so I guess I can dissolve molasses in warm water and spray on the roots.
Wonder if anyone has concrete evidence if better growth with it.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by plumania

Thanks.
I bought regular unsulphered molasses from Publix. I got only 1 vanda and it is bareroot so I guess I can dissolve molasses in warm water and spray on the roots.
Wonder if anyone has concrete evidence if better growth with it.

Plumania, I read in other thread that molasses will more provoke fungi growth than root growth, and pretty much it is used as a root hormone. In this case, I will for sure stick to seaweed and KLN. Maybe try to search couple more threads here and read if it is worth to try, I'll pass:-)

[plumania]

Yes, I read about fungus too...Ray mentioned it. But that is only place I see this being mentioned.And I also searched other threads but found no conclusive answers. It seems that it is used along/mixed with other fertilizers and there is not much information about ants.
I guess, I have to find ways to use up that bottle in MY food now.

[Kailyn]

make some homemade BBQ sauce... I have heard of molasses before used on other plants successfully. If you have proper air flow and light shouldn't that help counter any problems with fungus? I've never used it personally but in such a dilute amount you should be safe from pests like ants at least....
other good recipes for molasses are ginger snap/bread cookies and bran muffins.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I can't really think of a reason why molasses would be of benefit. Assuming the plant gets plenty of light, photosynthesis will provide all the sugars necessary. Maybe the thought is that tiny orchid seeds need some sugars externally to survive, someone has 'extended' that to the adult plants?

Molasses is the end product of boiling sugar can juice to make sugar; goes through multiple boilings. I can't imagine a hormone surviving that, but maybe.

Looking at the label, blackstrap molasses has significant potassium, but also calcium, magnesium, and iron. Maybe it is a mineral supplement? I think there are easier ways to get those minerals, though.

I think I would be making barbecue sauce or cookies (but that's because I like barbecue sauce and cookies).

[ALToronto]

Do a search, you'll find molasses discussed before. So were beer, vodka and aspirin. Of all of these, I use aspirin, but I can't say for sure if it's helping. It's not hurting, anyways.

With molasses, you're inviting an ant infestation, and ants usually bring aphids with them.

[terracotta7]

Yummmmmm. I am thinking about making ginger cookies today, thanks to you! Very interesting question about the molasses...I was curious about all the answers, too. Thanks!