I kept hearing everyone talking about SuperThrive in various DG forums, so I went on the hunt for some and finally found a little bottle of it!
Apart from soaking bare root cuttings or before planting, when/how do I use it??
Is it good to add when rooting cuttings in water? (not just AVs, but cuttings in general -- begonias, for example)
Is it good to add to fertilizer water for AVs?
I think somebody told me to put newly cut AV leaves (or ones that have been shipped) into SuperThrive solution for a few hours before putting them down in soil mix. yes?
Thanks!!
This message was edited Dec 7, 2005 9:01 PM
OK, I found some SuperThrive, now what??
I use superthrive on orchids and other plants - all cuttings get soaked in it and re-cut underwater. It certainly helps on cuttings sent via mail.
It can be added to the water as well, but note that some plants will put out deformed flowers if regular strength superthrive is used more than once in a ... season or something (in other words, it doesn't have to be regular use for it to have a negative effect, but once is fine, from what I hear). But this reaction should be pretty rare.
Haven't tried it on AVs - Superthive includes a rooting agent so I'm not sure how that would affect AVs - keeping in mind that AV leaves are better rooted without any rooting hormone?
I think I've used an extremely dilute solution on gessie seedlings..... ah, my memory....
I used it a couple year ago. A couple times and I knew my AV's did not like it. What Keyring said about rooting Av's and all is so correct.
If I was going to try it would be a ""extremely" dilute solution .
African violets do not realy need it, My 2 cents Allison
OK.... sounds like maybe I should re-post the question over in the propagation forum, then.
I will keep it away from my AVs unless I have a leaf or a plant in really sad shape, and then I'll try it as a one-time booster.
Thanks!
I use it and love it. My Av's seem to love it so perhaps it has a bit to do with the water & minerals in it or a lack of it?? Maybe the soil differences too??
I use it sparingly and add it to my fertilizer in the gallon jug. I add 10 drops per gallon so at that small amount it couldn't hurt?
I also use epson salts as a form of magnesium on occasion and have had great results with it not only on my AV's but other plants as well.
Like with all things I guess what works great for one situation or condition does not always work for another.
MsC
I am a newcommer to the forums, but have been growing and propagating plants for years. I will share my Superthrive info for your to consider; unless I indicate otherwise I follow the directions on the Superthrive bottle:
I always water my new cuttings w/ it for the 1st time or two- these would be non AV cuttings, various flowering shrubs, etc & seedlings, I have also soaked seeds in a very dilute solution prior to planting. Also I use it for some plants that have some limited tolerance to our brutal summer sun in Houston- those that seem to wilt even though not in need of water. Also at the end of my regular fertilizing schedule I make sure to give some to my outdoor plants to take them through the winter. I have also used on some plants that I needed to baby after being abused by family members, neighbors, etc. I feel like it's partly responsible for the success I have in propagating so many of plants that others feel are difficult and for the resiliance my plants seem to have when I compare to neighbors, etc. I don't always have a rationale for which plants get ST and which do not- at least not one that makes sense. I also think it's partly responsible for some of the number of blooms on some plants.
If you cannot bare to hear how I have treated my AVs you should stop reading now!
I have used ST w/ my AVs; remember that I only own AVs from grocery stores nothing as beautiful as the photos many of you have posted, so I had no fears. I have those pots that fit into a pot of water and I have added a drop or two of ST; since I don't know any better I also add a drop or two of general liquid fertilzer- and then since I don't know any better, I don't change that water, but keep adding clean water until I think that changing it might be a good idea. I also use AV specific ferlilizer. It's my own bizzare way and all I can say is I have lots of lovely, albeit no name grocery store, AV blooms and often during the year. Hope this helps some.
April, that is *exactly* the kind of information I was looking for!
And the way you treat your AVs is just fine.... There's no difference in culture that I know of with "fancier" AVs, and grocery store noids (noid = no ID) can be as lovely as any! The general concensus seems to be that it's easier to kill AVs with too much attention (overwatering, overfertilizing, etc) than with "benign neglect." Please post some pics of your lovely plants!
Well if benign neglect is the better of 2 evils, then it is no secret as to why mine do well.
I would love to post pictures of my noids, currently blooming- one reason that I love AVs is that when all that I have planted and love outside is dormant or not at their best, my AVs bloom through the winter! - however, back to point, my digital camera bit the dust and I have been researching replacements. I have a terrible time making up my mind but clearly will have to settle on one soon. As soon as I buy the new camera I will post a picture of my noids & new purchases! I expect them this week- I am very excited. Thanks for your encouragement.
I'll look forward to seeing those pictures! :-)