SuperThrive is a widely recognized plant supplement, used by gardeners and professionals to enhance plant vitality. This concentrated vitamin solution promotes overall plant health, reduces transplant stress, and supports vigorous growth from seedling to maturity.
SuperThrive’s Role in Plant Health
SuperThrive is not a traditional fertilizer, but a plant supplement containing vitamins and hormones designed to stimulate plant processes. Its original formula, developed in the 1940s, featured Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and has since been enhanced with kelp. Kelp provides auxins, plant hormones that aid root development and overall plant growth. The product improves nutrient absorption and resistance to environmental stressors like heat or transplant shock.
How SuperThrive Can Harm Plants
While beneficial when used correctly, SuperThrive can harm plants if applied improperly, primarily due to over-concentration. Although generally non-toxic, excessive amounts of its active ingredients can create an osmotic imbalance within plant cells. This imbalance draws water out of plant tissues, leading to dehydration and “burn.” This effect is similar to “nutrient burn” caused by excessive salts from fertilizers, where high concentrations overwhelm the plant’s system.
Identifying Plant Burn from SuperThrive
Recognizing SuperThrive burn symptoms allows for timely intervention. Affected plants often display:
Browning or blackening on leaf tips and edges, which can spread inward.
Crispy foliage.
General wilting, even if the soil appears adequately watered.
Stunted growth.
Yellowing of leaves.
Premature leaf drop.
Discolored or slimy roots, if accessible.
Safe Application of SuperThrive
Preventing SuperThrive burn requires precise and careful application. Strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommended dilution ratios, which typically range from 1/4 teaspoon per gallon for general maintenance to 1 drop per gallon for sensitive plants or daily use. For transplanting, a slightly higher concentration of 1 teaspoon per gallon is often suggested. Always apply the diluted solution to moist soil, rather than dry, to prevent immediate concentrated uptake. If unsure, starting with a weaker concentration is a safer approach, and the mixed solution should be used the same day.
Recovering Burned Plants
If a plant exhibits SuperThrive burn symptoms, immediate action can facilitate recovery. First, thoroughly flush the soil with plain water to wash away excess chemicals or accumulated salts. Prune severely damaged foliage (over 50% browning or crispiness), but avoid removing more than half of the plant’s total leaf matter to prevent further shock. Afterward, provide consistent general plant care, including appropriate light exposure and regular watering. Refrain from additional chemical treatments until the plant shows signs of recuperation.