How do you stimulate root growth?

[Sandrilene]

is there anything you can do to stimulate more root growth for your orchids or just stick with good light and humidity and watering? The bugs I had and fungus did a number on my chids roots they still have some but I would feel better if I saw more. what do i need to do? or is there anything i can do

[Bolero]

I find that root growth stimulates as the weather warms up and fertiliser is used more frequently. But that's under my conditions, I grow most of my plants outside all year round.

Weather should be getting warmer for you now???? I think you will see more activity soon.

What does everyone else think?

[kmarch]

The best thing I know for good root growth i excellent culture/conditions.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by kmarch

The best thing I know for good root growth i excellent culture/conditions.

Excellent answer Kevin! I am in total agreement! Nothing beats giving the plant what it needs. Some people believe in pushing a bunch of chemicals (like steroids for a body builder) at a plant in order to get it to do things they think it should be doing BUT in the end...if the plant isn't healthy enough to do it on it's own...you will eventually end up w/weak growth. Weak growth = plants that are susceptible to all sort of disease and pest problems.

Give the plant what it needs and it WILL grow roots, top growth, and it WILL absolutely flower. It might not be when you want it to do these things but it will do it when it's suppose to.

As Bolero stated, you will typically see increased growth (roots and top) when the weather warms. If plants have been kept in lower than ideal light and cooler temps...they will slow their growth during this period. Once the conditions change...temps warm...more daylight....growth takes off again.

[mehitabel]

Originally Posted by katrina

Give the plant what it needs and it WILL grow roots, top growth, and it WILL absolutely flower. It might not be when you want it to do these things but it will do it when it's suppose to.

In no way is this certain for a rootless plant. If you're really lucky, it will grow the roots on its own before it dies. In some climates, and in greenhouses that may be fairly probable. Under the less favorable conditions most of us have, the dying often happens first.

I agree with the other posters that Spring and Summer are favorable times for root and plant growth.

Dr Frankenstein and I both use and recommend root hormones. Superthrive is a root stimulator. You can soak a rootless orchid in a dilute solution, including the leaves. There are threads on this subject.

You can also buy powdered, liquid and gel root hormones if you want to give them a try. People who grow hydroponically use root hormones and other chemicals, including fertilizer. Check out Worms Way website (a hydroponics supplier) if you are interested. Or you can buy a bottle of Schultz' root hormone powder at Lowe's or Home Depot for under $10.

[Ray]

The chemical treatments are effective, but they are not a panacea. They trigger the plant to grow roots, but if the conditions are not otherwise right, it might not be sustained.

I find that the best way to stimulate root growth is via under-pot heating, which is a mechanical variant on Bolero's comments.

I recently got in a bunch of plants from plug trays, and as I've been tied up, just threw them into a "community S/H pot" (20 plants in an 8" pot), and placed them on a heating pad in the greenhouse. I went to individually pot them up this week, and in the two-week period since I got them, they all grew at least 2 new roots of 3" or longer!

If I have a particularly nice or rare plant that has been abused, I use both the rooting hormones and the heat.

[Sandrilene]

I'm not trying to make it grow for any stupid reason my orchids got infested with fungal gnats and fungus because i stupidly didn`t know to keep new ones away from older ones and due to trying to get rid of the pests I have lost a lot of the root growth on my chids so I'm really just trying to stabilize the plants some are down to two roots. They all had new growth too not sure how this will effect that one has 2 new leaves growing 2 other ones have 1. But with root death... I don't know what to do I just treated them all with Brookn's recipie. Hopefully that will help.

[Brooke]

Sandrilene you have been given some good advice by the posters above and now you need to decide what route to take with your plants. Right now I'm not even sure what type of orchids you have that need help.

You really have a misconception about fungus gnats. Seldom will fungus gnats or their larvae destroy orchid roots. Neither the gnats or their larvae eat fungus or create fungus. They are called fungus gnats because they eat "decaying" matter. Are they annoying - YES but they are not harmful to most orchids.

Most roots are lost due to over watering. People refer to it as root rot because after a root dies, it will rot. Occasionally, there could be a bacterial/fungal issue that creates a problem but most root issues are started by the hand of the loving owner.

Give whatever orchids you have the correct culture and Mother Nature usually brings them back to life.

Brooke

[Sandrilene]

i didn`t think fungus gnats did i just have fungus problems and fungus gnats. maybe i wasn`t very understandable to read i was pretty tired when i posted last time. sorry about that. my new orchids brought me lovely fungus issues and fungus gnats. All the plants seem to have one or the other but it seems to be getting under control. I thought that I had them cleared up completely and had stopped treating them for it which i guess was a mistake. Now i'm being more vicious about it. Just finding it hard to find a balance between letting them get drier and getting rid of their problems (especially since one has a keiki and i don`t want to lose it). Going to let them get pretty dry before I treat them next in hopes the gnats won`t thrive. Plus still trying to figure out watering entirely I understand the concepts for it. Does the middle of the pot stay much wetter then the rest of it? Basically I went away for a month in november and left my hubby with my orchids and their roots mostly all rotted (overwatered) and brought them back decently but still have few roots (phals only) the rest of the orchids have decent roots even my den with the fungus issue and my new ones that brought in the gnats. and i`ve been worried that something will happen to the roots after i finally got them growing again. My phal with the keiki's leaves are getting wrinkles not really sure what to do for it either. Should i mist it or something? On the plus side it is starting to get warmer here finally so that should help I updated my grow list (or should say found where to put it) so you will know what I have if that helps. Also once I move I will post conditions so u'll have my culture info to know what I'm doing wrong.

[Stelios]

i'm with Kevin, give them the care they need and they will have a great root system.
In the occasion of an infested plant or overwatered plant that lost its roots, i would give it a try leaving nature find its way under good care. If however there were no healthy roots at all, i would use some root hormone before throwing it away.

[davetheorchidaddict]

Most of the growers I know use SuperThrive to stimulate root growth, I mount a lot and using SuperThrive each watering seems to help stimulate their attaching to the mounting.

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by Stelios

i'm with Kevin, give them the care they need and they will have a great root system.
In the occasion of an infested plant or overwatered plant that lost its roots, i would give it a try leaving nature find its way under good care. If however there were no healthy roots at all, i would use some root hormone before throwing it away.

That makes sense. I may use some superthrive too though at least on the more sickly ones. So moral of the story is as long as I have some roots I have something to work with. Thanks guys.

[willowbanks]

Sandrilene, if you had your culture right in the first place you wouldn't have sickly plants.

Spending money on magic potions like Superthrive is not going to help you.

Bill

[frostychic]

Hi Sandri (is it ok for me to call you that?)

I understand & respect the statements made here regarding chemicals vs. proper culture.

My personal experience with SuperThrive came after I received some plants shipped during the winter months... they got routed to an incorrect address which delayed there shipment by several days. When they arrived the plants were in great distress from having gotten too cold. Some I was able to save, others I wasn't... all lost some roots. The seller is the person that suggested that I try SuperThrive for their "stress" and that this would help them pull thru. Well, as I said... some made it and some didn't but I got quick & sure root growth from those that I did save.

I liked SuperThrive so much that I use it on every plant I own... this past summer I even used it on some outdoor trees that were still in their pots (and in distress) and the results I experienced was awesome.

I believe it helps not only stimulate root growth but beautiful, stong foliage & blooms. As stated by others already though, it's not a cure for all problems or a replacement for good culture. It does however, provide a nice boost, imo.

You really need to stick to the mixing instructions though. Lots of times folks read instructions and think that if one drop is good then 6 drops or 7 drops will be even better... NOT with SuperThrive. Using this product too strong will burn the plant in much the same way that fertilizer used in too strong a solution will also burn.

By the way... Congrats on your Feb. competion photo

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Brooke

You really have a misconception about fungus gnats. Seldom will fungus gnats or their larvae destroy orchid roots. Neither the gnats or their larvae eat fungus or create fungus. They are called fungus gnats because they eat "decaying" matter. Are they annoying - YES but they are not harmful to most orchids.

I have to disagree, Brooke.

Fungus gnat larvae do feed on fungus that grows on decaying matter. If the population of larvae is sufficient, they will outstrip the fungal growth rate and begin eating the decaying matter, which can include your orchids' roots. In fact, roots damaged by potting media "going south" is a very attractive place for the critters to lay their eggs, which might explain why they reappear, even after repotting into fresh media.

My stance is that the presence of fungus gnats is the "canary in the coal mine", indicating that you have an issue with the medium, so had better change it ASAP, or risk larger, long-term problems.

[tinabee]

Originally Posted by willowbanks

Sandrilene, if you had your culture right in the first place you wouldn't have sickly plants.

Spending money on magic potions like Superthrive is not going to help you.

Bill

Lots of times, even with a carefully chosen orchid, sheize happens that is out of your control. Don't be too quick to blame the owner.

You really need to stick to the mixing instructions though. Lots of times folks read instructions and think that if one drop is good then 6 drops or 7 drops will be even better... NOT with SuperThrive. Using this product too strong will burn the plant in much the same way that fertilizer used in too strong a solution will also burn.

Is it one drop per liter? I just purchased a bottle of this, myself.

[Brooke]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have to disagree, Brooke.

Fungus gnat larvae do feed on fungus that grows on decaying matter. If the population of larvae is sufficient, they will outstrip the fungal growth rate and begin eating the decaying matter, which can include your orchids' roots. In fact, roots damaged by potting media "going south" is a very attractive place for the critters to lay their eggs, which might explain why they reappear, even after repotting into fresh media.

My stance is that the presence of fungus gnats is the "canary in the coal mine", indicating that you have an issue with the medium, so had better change it ASAP, or risk larger, long-term problems.

Ray please note I said "seldom".

Adult fungus gnats will search for any media that is wet enough for them to enter to lay eggs. It can be the freshest media available but if wet, they are interested. The media doesn't have to be "going south", just wet.

The "canary in the coal mine" for me is my vent wall is now open almost daily, vent fans running, sucking the gnats into the g/h. Do I have broken down media for them to set up shop - no I don't. If they do manage to lay eggs in some of my sphag, then the mosquito dunks I keep in my storage tanks, inside and out, will destroy the larvae. Once the weather stay warm, for some reason the gnats aren't a problem for me inside the g/h.

If anyone thinks they have media that broken down, or they think they have them in sphag, take a slice of raw potato and insert it into the media. In 12 hours, if you have larvae eating the potato, then you have a problem.

BTW, I've never found larvae in wet sphag or in the coir mixes, only in peat based media.

Brooke

[frostychic]

Originally Posted by tinabee

Lots of times, even with a carefully chosen orchid, sheize happens that is out of your control. Don't be too quick to blame the owner.


Is it one drop per liter? I just purchased a bottle of this, myself.

Regarding the amount... my bottle (a one gallon bottle because I have some serious landscaping going on this spring)... reads as follows:

"1 tablespoon per 15 gallons... 1/4 teaspoon full per gallon" however, there are different directions for bare root & for a bath solution to soak...

I personally have put my SuperThrive into a small glass medicine bottle with a screw top lid and attached dropper. I use 1 drop per gallon of water. Notice also that the directions state that you get the best results when you apply your water with SuperThrive to thirsty roots & dry media... just the opposite of fertilizing.

I use SuperThrive at this weak dilution because I water nearly every day (my bare root vandas) so every day they get a little drink of SuperThrive in their water.

My last bottle was a very small bottle & I shared it with a friend so it went QUICK! Seems like the directions on the small bottle were "one drop per gallon" ... but I don't see that on my large gallon container.

[rcb]

Frosty - is the glass that you are storing your Superthrive in clear glass?

[11Orchid126]

Another thing to use to induce roots is liquid seaweed, or kelp. Seaweed grows as much as a foot a day. The liquid seaweed contains lots of micronutrients. A tablespoon to a gallon, once or twice a month should do it.

But as everyone else has said, this goes along with good culture.

[willowbanks]

Now that's good advice to use liquid seaweed extract, it's a natural root stimulant and contains all the good stuff scientifically prooven and tested.

All you Superthrive supporters, why is it a banned product in Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Oregon as an unregistered pesticide?????

I think it may be banned in Canada as well.

Bill
Seaweed User (because I know what is in it)

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by willowbanks

Sandrilene, if you had your culture right in the first place you wouldn't have sickly plants.

Spending money on magic potions like Superthrive is not going to help you.

Bill

I don`t have to spend money on it I already have it for my other plants.

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have to disagree, Brooke.

Fungus gnat larvae do feed on fungus that grows on decaying matter. If the population of larvae is sufficient, they will outstrip the fungal growth rate and begin eating the decaying matter, which can include your orchids' roots. In fact, roots damaged by potting media "going south" is a very attractive place for the critters to lay their eggs, which might explain why they reappear, even after repotting into fresh media.

My stance is that the presence of fungus gnats is the "canary in the coal mine", indicating that you have an issue with the medium, so had better change it ASAP, or risk larger, long-term problems.

I changed the medium for all of the ones that had the gnats once then have been treating regularly in case theres still eggs.

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by frostychic

Hi Sandri (is it ok for me to call you that?)

I understand & respect the statements made here regarding chemicals vs. proper culture.

My personal experience with SuperThrive came after I received some plants shipped during the winter months... they got routed to an incorrect address which delayed there shipment by several days. When they arrived the plants were in great distress from having gotten too cold. Some I was able to save, others I wasn't... all lost some roots. The seller is the person that suggested that I try SuperThrive for their "stress" and that this would help them pull thru. Well, as I said... some made it and some didn't but I got quick & sure root growth from those that I did save.

I liked SuperThrive so much that I use it on every plant I own... this past summer I even used it on some outdoor trees that were still in their pots (and in distress) and the results I experienced was awesome.

I believe it helps not only stimulate root growth but beautiful, stong foliage & blooms. As stated by others already though, it's not a cure for all problems or a replacement for good culture. It does however, provide a nice boost, imo.

You really need to stick to the mixing instructions though. Lots of times folks read instructions and think that if one drop is good then 6 drops or 7 drops will be even better... NOT with SuperThrive. Using this product too strong will burn the plant in much the same way that fertilizer used in too strong a solution will also burn.

By the way... Congrats on your Feb. competion photo

Thank you. Yeah I have been using the stuff on my other house plants i wasn`t really sure it was good for orchids but i might try it now that some of you use it and like it. might try the seaweed thing on the one doing the worst. Moving in less then a week we`ll have to see how they like the new place hopefully it goes well.

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by 11Orchid126

Another thing to use to induce roots is liquid seaweed, or kelp. Seaweed grows as much as a foot a day. The liquid seaweed contains lots of micronutrients. A tablespoon to a gallon, once or twice a month should do it.

But as everyone else has said, this goes along with good culture.

Where do you get liquid seaweed? I think i`ve gotten rid of the gnats finally! I am improving their culture when I move there will be more light options and we`ll have a yard too really looking forward to it. Probably going to have to get a fan or something for air circulation not sure yet. Going to plant some veggies outside too. Roots seem to have stabilized and hopefully plants will throw out some more soon its 70 outside today so its warming up nicely for the plants too.

[11Orchid126]

Any big box store should carry liquid or granular seaweed (it may be called kelp). If not, try some greenhouses.

[katrina]

Hydroponics stores also carry seaweed supps.

[Sandrilene]

good to know thanks. Will check into that soon as the opportunity arises, which may be today need to pick a few things up and will be out anyways gotta pick up car from the shop.