SuperThrive and/or Seaweed Extract??

[Kuzuri]

I'm considering ordering some SuperThrive, but the more I read about it, the more I think it sounds like it does the exact same thing as seaweed/kelp extract, which I've already ordered.

So... should I buy the SuperThrive as well, or not?

[kindrag23]

I used super thrive before finding out about seaweed...I really could not tell. Now seaweed I saw the difference in root growth.

[silken]

I think they are just about the same. There might be some growth hormones or vitamins (B) in SuperThrive that seaweed doesn't have. Their recipe has always been a secret so hard to say. I use one or the other so you are likely fine with just the seaweed, which has great results for roots.

[tucker85]

I didn't see any results when I used Superthrive, many years ago. When I started using seaweed/kelp I saw visible results in just a few weeks. I've been using it for three or four years now and I still think it's the best product for orchids.

[Kuzuri]

How much seaweed should one use? I ordered MaxiCrop. Do you use fish emulsion as well? And how about normal fertilizer?

[K.C.]

I have , and do use both. If I wont to see root growth KLM is my pick.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Kuzuri

How much seaweed should one use? I ordered MaxiCrop. Do you use fish emulsion as well? And how about normal fertilizer?

Seaweed is usually used in conjunction with a standard fertiliser. It seems to do most in prompting roots to grow, then the fertiliser feeds those roots.

Ray sells a product that combines fertiliser and seaweed so you only need one with that.

I use a seaweed from a UK based firm and mix that with 'Rain Mix' which is the equivalent of the MSU fertiliser you get in the USA. The combination works really well for me, but I don't use the seaweed all the time. Just when I'm trying to get new roots on something.

---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------

My understanding is that the hormones in Superthrive and KLN are more unstable than those in the good seaweed extracts. This means they have to be kept cool and even then the mixture 'goes off' in just a few months.

I haven't tried Superthrive but tried KLN which is a similar one. Never saw any sign of it doing anything. The seaweed I get in the UK has noticeable results though. My belief is that it probably means the KLN was on the shelf at the supplier, and/or got to warm at the supplier, or before the supplier got it, or in shipping or... and so it did nothing. I think that's a common problem with both Superthrive and KLN.

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Kuzuri

How much seaweed should one use? I ordered MaxiCrop. Do you use fish emulsion as well? And how about normal fertilizer?

I use Maxicrop at 1 ounce per gallon once every two weeks. In years past I used it once a week but I think I get good results using it every two weeks. I live in South Florida where we have strong sunlight and long daylight hours so it's possible that those of you in northern climates may want to use a lower dose or use it less often. The product seems to be well tolerated by orchids and I've never seen any sign of root burn at 1 ounce per gallon. Maxicrop is only a supplement and not a fertilizer so you still need to use a good fertilizer on a regular basis.

[Kuzuri]

I use Orchid Focus, so I'm covered when it comes to fertilizers - I was sure I had to use fertilizer as well as the fish emul and seaweed, but I wanted to make 100% sure that I wasn't going to do anything wrong. :P

[MrHappyRotter]

I use both products, regularly but sparingly.

Superthrive's strength is that it helps prevent root damage, reduces stress, and provides a little recovery for ailing plants. You might not notice the effects as much in orchids, but with other plants, like veggies or garden flowers, you can really see a difference if you treat with Superthrive right after repotting or transplanting. It seems to significantly reduce shock, droopiness, and sulking even in summer heat. But since most orchids take longer to show signs of shock or stress, I think it's harder to notice the positive effects of this product. That being said, outside of its benefits for newly repotted plants, I can't say I see a ton of benefit, so that's why I keep my use of it limited.

Seaweed does seem to have a positive effect on stimulating root growth. And even if that's placebo effect, it does at least contain some nutrition for the orchids. It's obviously more expensive than run-of-the mill fertilizer, but other than that, you can't really go wrong by using it (just don't over do it). I rotate my ferts, and mix in the seaweed once or twice a month for good measure. Initially, I saw a big improvement in root growth (and overall plant health), but these days, it's not so noticeable. I suspect this is similar to certain drugs (steroids, hormones, etc) and the human body, you have to use them sparingly and cycle them because otherwise your body builds up a tolerance and they become less/in-effective.