Verdict on SuperThrive?

[greg_s]

ok, what is everyone's verdict on SuperThrive? I had someone describe it to me as "they sell it like snake oil" and after reading the packaging I can see what he means. But, on the other hand, I have been reading a lot of stuff on line where people have been using it.

Not sure what to make of it.

[jerrymeola]

You are totaly right about the package. It looks like a total fake, but it works.

I buy thousands of plants in plug trays. They are either shipped to me out of the tray and dry when they arrive or I damage roots removing them from overgrown trays.

For the first 4 months I did not use SuperThrive. Since then I have been using it. There is a noticable improvment in the establishment of the plants. It also seems to awaken bare root plants before potting. Now I soak all root stressed plants for at least 12 hours before planting. (an hour is probably sufficient but with this many orchids I have left them in SuperThrive for up to 2 weeks.)

Best feature is that it is rather cheap, about $6 retail for a one ounce package when you use only a drop or two per gallon mixed in your fertilizer or when soaking like I do, about 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. Larger bottles are cheaper per ounce.

[Ellen]

At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I will second Jerry's endorsement of SuperThrive snake oil. My experience is that it helps get plants established quickly when planting bare root, dividing, repotting, or rehabilitating stressed plants. This year I dumped a bucket of water containing a trace amount of SuperThrive (I had been soaking new orchid mounts) on my newly planted tomato plants, and they are growing better than they ever have before. Now I always recycle "used orchid water" on my garden.

[greg_s]

Thanks very much for the feedback! I'll have to try it out.

[flaorchidfan]

can you use it for periodic watering as well? or is this "magic potion" only for the weak and stressed?

[jerrymeola]

One or two drops per gallon in your fertilizer solution is a favorite way to apply to healthy plants. The combination breaks down over afew days so try to mix what you are going to use rather than store it. It is a product that will not cause harm if you overdose if you are making small amounts.

[flaorchidfan]

thanks will give it a try. should i be able to find it at a nursery or home depot or do i have to get it online?

[Cassie]

I would love to know where to find superthrive also. Anyone ever use VF 11? My mother-in-law uses it on everything including her orchids. Just wnated to know if anyone else uses it on orchids?

[ryan_d_cruz]

I got my bottle of superthrive from home depot

Dyna-grow KLN is very similar, as they both encourage root growth. I use eeither one when repottting or transplanting or for plants not doing so well. I did find, however, that if I used it when the phals were in spike that it caused bud blast. I think it tells the plant "grow roots" rather than "grow blooms".

[desertgal]

Anyone else had a problem with it causing bud blast in Phals. I have some in bloom and would hate to blast them. Is it better for repotting and resting plants that are growing new leaves and roots?

[heatherbear10]

You can get it at Wal-Mart, too. Usually the cheapest place!

[captripppp]

Superthrive is one of the best things for plants around. I use it on all of my orchids, and plants with nothing but the best results. It really is amazing how much growth superthrive causes. I use it once a week in conjunction with Dyna Grow Foliage Pro, and all of my plants love it.

[princessk]

i bought superthrive from lowe's near tanforan in san bruno, calif. i think it was like $7 for 4 oz.

[atcrosby]

And superthrive is not just for Orchids...

I use it on my trees outside each month, my shrubs, my flowers and all my houseplants. It really has made them grow especially newly planted trees.

Now with all my orchids in the house, I use the leftover water / fertilizer mix on my house plants and my potted plants outside. They seem to be enjoying the regular extras and the fertilizer is put to good use.

[arleneg]

After reading all of your success stories of using SuperThrive, I went out today and bought a 4 oz. bottle. I'll start using it tomorrow.

[atcrosby]

you do realize it comes in gallon size too !!

[arleneg]

The store I bought it from doesn't carry the gallon size.

[jerrymeola]

Gallon size - even the biggest wholesale distributors of orchid supplies only carries up to quart size.

Even in a commercial greenhouse a quart will last well over a year for me.