Returning to orchids after a loooooog break....

[klc1960]

My Mom and I grew orchids MANY years ago (over 35 yrs ago ) in south FL and now I'm in PA. I just bought 3 miniature orchids in bloom from Home Depot and I repotted them out of their tiny, no drainage pots into a cute little basket with sphagnum moss to hold the orchid bark in the basket. Surprisingly, other than being a little root-bound they looked pretty healthy and after a week or so for them to settle I'll start a weak fertilizer on them.

My question is...I have read several posts talking about "seaweed". This is new to me and I was wondering how it's used and where to get it...

I've really missed raising orchids and can't wait to be able to get them to bloom again on my own

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Many people have used a seaweed extract to help boost root growth in orchids. Our member Ray sells it in the USA, he has himself reported very good results from it (he always sells things which he's tested for himself and knows to be good). His investigations of it show that how it's prepared and which seaweed is used have a big influence on it's effectiveness.

His website might be the best place to start. I've not tried his products myself as I live in the UK, but others have reported good results. I've had good results from a seaweed I've tried that I can get over here.

FirstRays
Kelpmax is the product your are looking for. He also does/did a product called 'Solo' which is a combined fertiliser and seaweed extract. It's based on the MSU fertiliser and the Kelpmax. I can't see it on his website which might mean he doesn't have it in stock, but you can always ask if you are interested.

[RosieC]

Here's Ray's post where he first talked about his trials with seaweed extract and the results, and his development of the 'Solo' product. The kelp product he was using back then was Kelpak but he was later asked by the producer to give it a new trade name for Retail sale (as Kelpak is aimed at commercial growers) and so he now sells Kelpmax.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...stimulant.html

[tucker85]

I agree with what Rosie has said. Seaweed is a supplement used along with a regular fertilizer. You can think of it like people taking a vitamin pill each morning. I've used it for several years and the most notable result is an increase in root growth. First Ray's has a product that is popular. I use one that's available at my local orchid supply store called Maxicrop Liquid Seaweed. Right now I'm using it at one ounce per gallon of water, twice a month. I put in a small sprayer and spray it on the visible roots, the top of the medium and the leaves. It can be mixed with your fertilizer water or applied separately. Maxicrop is available on Amazon.com and at some garden supply stores. There are other seaweed products available also.

[WhiteRabbit]

[klc1960]

TY for the responses

So far my little beauties are doing well so I'll be looking at the info supplied very soon!