How much Superthrive to use on my orchids?
 

Hi there OB,

I've just got some superthrive off ebay and would like to know how often i should use it and how much i should mix up in a gallon of water to use on my orchids?

Also can you mix this up with the usual Dyna-Gro orchid pro fertilizer i use?

I thought it would come in handy where i repot orchids, what is OB's thoughts on Superthrive?

Cheers OB.

The only time I use it is when I repot, especially if the roots aren't in the best of shape. A drop or so per gallon of water, and soak the roots for about half an hour. After the repot is done, I pour the soaking water through the pot. I've saved some pretty sad looking plants this way.

Kim

I also use it primarily in a soak during repotting (1 or 2 drops/gal with 1/4 strength fertilizer solution) or when trying to coax those bare root imported species or hopeless-looking, root-rotted plants back into growth - my "go juice" is 1/4 strength fert + 4-5 drops ST + 1 crushed aspirin tablet per gal. (as a soak and then applied as a spray to plants lying on a bed of moss).
I will also use ST in VERY dilute amounts (1 drop/5 gal) in late winter (Spring for plants here in FL).
Someone once described ST as "crack for orchids". Use it sparingly.

Bruce, why the asprin? I have heard of using asprin on plants before, but cannot recall what benefit it has.

Superthrive works well on orchids and any other plant that I have used it on. The manufacturer suggests one drop per gallon for general watering and one cap (4 oz bottle cap) per gallon for treatment of ill health.

One thing the manufacturer advised that I have found true is to only mix up the amount that you are going to use because it does not keep after it has been mixed with water.

Short answer: Aspirin will help trigger a stress response in plants that boosts their own natural defenses against bacteria, fungi and viruses (Google 'Systemic Acquired Resistance' or 'SAR aspirin'.) I also believe from my own experience that the stress response kick-starts root growth, but I don't have a citation handy.

I forgot to mention that I also add a couple of teaspoons of Physan or similar.

That's a new twist on "take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning":)

Bill

Bruce,

I plan on repotting some of my Phal.s tonight for the first time. I ordered Physan 20 and Superthrive for this reason...Would the best method be to trim all the dead roots off and then soak in a mixture of the Superthrive and Physan together? I wasn't sure if these chemicals could mix but you haven't had any problems with it? Is this soak solely for the root system or is the entire plant just tossed to soak. Just wondering what the best method would be to administer this....

Also, should I soak my medium in this mixture as well?


These are in reasonable condition and I just want to make sure because the only other orchid I have had I've killed!! haha

Thanks!!

I mix it all together with no problem. Just remember, more is NOT better. One or two drops of ST, a little bit of physan (I don't measure, but it's probably 1-2 teaspoons) and about 1/2 tsp fert per gallon.
As you described, cut off the dead roots and rinse off all the old media then toss into the bucket with to soak for a bit (15-30 min). I like to get the whole plant in there if practical - for large plants I just soak the roots.
If I'm potting in bark, I'll usually place the newly-potted plant in another bucket and let it sit in some of the solution for a bit to make sure the bark (and the pot if clay) is well wetted.

Thanks, Bruce! :) Sounds like a great plan...

The medium I am using is from Repotme.com. Other forums I have read say to soak it overnight or boil it but since this is mainly Sphagnum Moss I had planned on rinsing it and/or soaking it while my plants were soaking. Then just fluffing it up to put around the plant in the Dual Net pots I bought.

Imperial Phal Monterey Orchid Mix is made with:

•AAA New Zealand Sphagnum Moss
•Medium Orchiata™ Monterey Bark
•Medium Hydroton
•Large Sponge Rock
•Medium Cork Nuggets

Anyways, thanks for the advice!!! :bowing

Umm... very close - The actual reason is that aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid - and since it contains salicylic acid (Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone and is found in plants with roles in plant growth and development, photosynthesis, transpiration, ion uptake and transport. SA also induces specific changes in leaf anatomy and chloroplast structure. SA is involved in endogenous signaling, mediating in plant defense against pathogens.[3] It plays a role in the resistance to pathogens by inducing the production of pathogenesis-related proteins.[4] It is involved in the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in which a pathogenic attack on one part of the plant induces resistance in other parts. The signal can also move to nearby plants by salicyclic acid being converted to the volatile ester, methyl salicylate.[5]
[edit] ) thank you wikipedia.. it was easier than me typing it all up myself... sorry I'm lazy.

Side note, willow bark actually contains salicylic acid as well (why homeiopathic medicine uses it to treat headaches) but also works as a rooting hormone. Just put a branch of willow in water and watch... If you add other plants to the water it has similar affect due to the leaching.