KELPAK

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DTEguy

Hi Ray, do you think it is important to flush out kelpak from S/H or water culture after a few days?

No. Why?

[bballr4567]

I've been using kelpak for a month now and then results are starting to show. Roots are thicker and more abundant. In fact, one of my phals in a clear pot has one long root with about 5 little eyelets of roots.

However, my cherry tomatoes plant loves it. The foliage is amazing and at last count there are about 50 cherry tomatoes and about 200 blooms.

[DTEguy]

Originally Posted by Ray

No. Why?

I am gathering from the discussion that assuming the plant is completing the hormonal cycle every 2 weeks (14-21 days), Kelpak will give the cycle a jump start and then adding it 2 weeks later to initiate another cycle. Therefore, Kelpak should not be added every week to allow the plant to "deplete" the initiated auxin and produce a higher cytokinin level. I think "plant" regulate the hormones based on auxin and cytokinin ratio.

However, since in water culture--to some extent in S/H (i think)--hormones from Kelpak is more or less constantly available to the plant, it would have been almost the same as I added Kelpak again after a week. I was just wondering if flushing out Kelpak after a few days when the accumulation of auxin is highest in the plant would beneficial for the plant to complete its 2 weeks cycle.

Not to get too technical, but I guess I haven't factor into biodegradability and directional transport of the hormones.

I apologize for my poor writing skill and hopefully don't come off rude. This has been a wonderful place a beginner like me and I just wanted to share my thoughts and get more information from other experienced growers!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DTEguy

I am gathering from the discussion that assuming the plant is completing the hormonal cycle every 2 weeks (14-21 days), Kelpak will give the cycle a jump start and then adding it 2 weeks later to initiate another cycle. Therefore, Kelpak should not be added every week to allow the plant to "deplete" the initiated auxin and produce a higher cytokinin level. I think "plant" regulate the hormones based on auxin and cytokinin ratio.

I would answer "yes", but for two things: That recommendation from the manufacturer is based upon food crops and turf, not orchids, and all plants react differently. Secondly, I have been giving my plants Kelpak + fertilizer at every watering for a few months and I see no issues that would suggest I stop.

That said, I will stop doing that when this tank of concentrate runs out, as - for all I know, I could be wasting the product horribly.

However, since in water culture--to some extent in S/H (i think)--hormones from Kelpak is more or less constantly available to the plant, it would have been almost the same as I added Kelpak again after a week. I was just wondering if flushing out Kelpak after a few days when the accumulation of auxin is highest in the plant would beneficial for the plant to complete its 2 weeks cycle.

Again, you might be right, but based upon my experience above, who knows?

Not to get too technical, but I guess I haven't factor into biodegradability and directional transport of the hormones.

Unlike the synthetic compounds, the natural ones in seaweed extracts are a lot more stable, but who know? Maybe the plant simply stops taking it up once it has been exposed?

[DTEguy]

Thanks for the input Ray, I appreciate it. Please keep us updated with your progress with the new regimen.

[empiref]

::This is an update::

This Cym was transferred into Semi-Hydro on 20-4-2012 and it had no new root growths, only had emergence of 3 new bulbs.

I started using KELPAK on 6-5-2012

One of pot holes which I had glued, started leaking at the bottom, so I unpotted to fix the problem, and this is the result after 7.5 weeks in Semi-Hydro, 5.5 weeks since i started using KELPAK at 1:500 ratio, the first 2 weeks of KELPAK use was back to back, then I took Ray's advice of using it every 14 days, so overall 4 times of using KELPAK with my regular TaHtso orchid fertlizer.

The new bubls have now leaves with a height of 30 cm and they haven't skipped a beat.

The Cyms sit on a shaded balcony outside, they get 2 hours of morning sun and 3-4 hours of afternoon sun post 3 pm. I water once a week, flush the pot every time, then empty the reservoir and at the end I my diluted fertilizer and KELPAK.



This is another angle



there must be more than 100 new roots!!

[Ray]

That's exactly what I'm seeing. Amazing, no?

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Ray

That's exactly what I'm seeing. Amazing, no?

Amazing indeed!!

[FrankP999]

Ray,
Has anyone you know used Kelpak on bonsai trees like maples or pine?

I am starting to use it on some of my bonsai trees that need a boost.

Frank

[Ray]

Originally Posted by FrankP999

Ray,
Has anyone you know used Kelpak on bonsai trees like maples or pine?

I am starting to use it on some of my bonsai trees that need a boost.

Frank

Sorry Frank. The manufacturers seem intent on focusing on fruits, nuts, and turf, so that's all the info available.

The general recommendation is to start at 1:500 - 1:400, and wait a few weeks to see what response you get.

I am using it at 1:384 (2 tsp/gal) on my orchids, and I think they are more sensitive than most terrestrials. I started my experiments on my tropical houseplants at that rate, and they respond well also, so I really don't think that would be too strong for your bonsais.