Return to the House Plants Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Dracena Question
| | |
Posted by fsaforo 7 (My Page) on Fri, Oct 20, 06 at 17:32
Hey folks,
First, thanks for the info on using "SuperThrive" for my less than perky Dracena. Update - it appears to be picking up, even though I haven't bought the SuperThrive yet. New growth and disgarding older, botttom leaves as usual.
Should I still use SuperThrive or just let it go into it's winter sleep and fertilize next spring?
Thanks
Flo
|
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Don't waste your money, time or energy! |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
Lucy, please don't take this wrong, but I disagree..I think Superthrive is incredible..
Flo, Superthrive isn't a fertilizer..it's a hormone w/50 vitamins including Vit B.
I use it yr round unlike fertilizer which is stopped in Oct. If you go to ST's site, www.superthrive.com they'll send u a free sample. I think shipping is .60..Toni |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Ha ha, can't take it wrong - people will argue over ST forever, some loving it, and others feeling the same as I do... and it's been that way forever. |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| I don't have an opinion on the effectiveness of Superthrive, but I do get annoyed with the insistence that it "is not a fertilizer." Technically, it does not contain the usual macro- and micronutrients associated with fertilizers. But if it contains nutrients (vitamins) and substances purported to stimulate plant growth, then it is, for all intents and purposes, a fertilizer. |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
Karen, the reason I said it's not a fertilizer is, if you have the bottle or read info on Superthrive's site, they say it's not a fertilizer and in fact to be used w/your favorite fertilizer..
Lucy, I know what you mean..I don't like arguing with people on any topic..what works for some may not work for others..For instance, I talk to a woman who uses Espom Salts..she's been doing this about 3 yrs now..her plants are beautiful..yet, there are people who say not to use it..LOL.
But you are right, the ST topic is one that can get terribly heated..even though there's really no reason to be..it's just a matter of opinion, which is one reason GW exists. Toni |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Yes, Toni I know that. I have seen a bottle of Superthrive before. I was commenting the claim is that silly, regardless of who said it. That includes the manufacturer. And I repeat, I have nothing against Superthrive, per se. It seems to have its uses as a root stimulant. P.S. I have been known to use Epsom salts. My most recent use was a Philodendron selloum that was looking chlorotic. I tried an iron supplement first, but saw only minimal improvement. So, I thought perhaps that it was magnesium deficient, so I tried the ES. The plant greened up, so I guess it was indeed lacking in magnesium. What I don't do, and will not do, is use Epsom salts on plants with nothing wrong with them, since they obviously aren't in need of supplementation. Your friend's plants likely look good because they are well cared for in general. I am of the strong opinion that there are no "secrets" to having good-looking plants. Good basic care is the key to success. |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Karen, I'm assuming ST company means it's not a food because it doesn't contain nitrogen, potash, etc..This is purely conjecture of course. It's probably the reason they tell people to use it w/fertilizer instead of alone..since it doesn't contain these ingredients. Toni |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Toni, why do you keep trying to tell me things I've already said? In my first post, I said "Technically, it does not contain the usual macro- and micronutrients associated with fertilizers. But if it contains nutrients (vitamins) and substances purported to stimulate plant growth, then it is, for all intents and purposes, a fertilizer." Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are the macronutrients I was referring to in the above. I thought I was clear in stating that even though Superthrive does not provide those, it does contain vitamins, which are nutrients, and hormones which allegedly stimulate growth. Therefore I consider the concoction to be in effect, a type of fertilizer, since the job of fertilizers is to provide nutrition and stimulate growth. The reason why we avoid fertilizer in the winter is because many plants slow down during that time. They use fewer nutrients, and it is not usually a good time to stimulate growth. I was in no way saying that ST is a complete fertilizer, but that it is a type of fertilizer. In other words, I know why the makers of ST say what they say. What I am trying to communicate is that I think they are wrong to say so.
|
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
Karen, I'm not repeating things you're saying..My point was, I am sure ST company isn't calling it a fertilizer because of lack of NPK..I know you said it,too, which I basically acknowledged your views.
I understand why they say ST isn't a fertilizer. It doesn't work like fertilizers do, therefore, even though I stop fertilizing all but two or three types of plants in winter, I continue using ST. |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
Wow! I know what you mean by this topic can get heated!
I'll put in my 2 cents, I've used ST and have seen a difference. I use it on all my plants once a month with my fertilizer. You could also use it everytime you water if you want. I have a philodendron Brazil that i've tried over and over again to grow as a hanging basket. I've tried all different types of soil and all types of different waterings and lighting. It will look great for months but then it starts dying on me. Getting yellow leaves etc. I have many plants and only have trouble growing that one, purple passion and ficus silver leaf and fig bellus. I finally found sucess growing the philo in plain water. It's been doing great but when I soaked the roots with SP, boy what a difference! i've never seen this philo that happy. The colors are brilliant and is doing even better. I'm pretty sure that SP had something to do with it. Is true that what might work for some won't work for others. Is up to you if you want to give your plants the extra attention. You can do basic or you can go the extra mile. Plants will do great with basic care but some will do better with a little extra care. |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
Smith, yes this topic can get heated but there's no reason it should be..It's only a matter of opinion..I find using ST has saved many-a-plants over time.
Thank goodness we don't argue about the perfect fertilzier!! LOL..Can u imagine? Especially considering there are so many to chose from..Soil types are another notorius topic. But what can ya do? (S) I like to use ST once a month, throughout the yr..during growing season w/fertilizer and in winter without..Toni |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| I've heard of ppl here using it everytime they water ,especially with their violets. I bought some oyama pots from av planters website and they even state there to use it everytime you water your violet. BTW i'm loving those pots, it takes all the guessing out of watering, of course the gnats are loving it. I got almost all my violets now with fungus gnat larvae. I ordered gnatrol and sticky traps last friday so those little pesky things are not gonna live to much longer. I've tried the mosquito dunks but they haven't worked for me. I have a pretty big infestation going on, so it's gonna take a while to get rid of them. I hate them with a passion!! While I wait for the gnatrol to get here, i've seen the larvae and the tiny babies flying all around my apartment and up my nose, grrrrrr how I despise them!! |
RE: Dracena Question
| | |
| Thanks all, especially my usual standby, hopefulauthor. Good to see you are still here. I will give ST a try, the plant just looks tired. Funny, I just noticed a even bigger Dracena in one of conference rooms and it is doing great, not really getting alot of light, there are corn plants and other related big trees in there as well getting the same light source. Again, thanks all! Flo |
|
|
|
|
