N.alata, N.mirabilis, N.rafflesiana, N.maxima, N.gracilis,
N.bicalcarata, N.fusca, N.ventricosa, N.truncata, a few hybrids and a
few other I can't remember the names of.
The results have varied with the ease of the plant, of course, but it
has always produced dramatic pithcering results. The plants have
grown some of the largest pitchers I have ever seen when they are on
Superthrive. There can be no doubt that it is a requirement for
Nepenthes growers. I have written quite a bit on the use of
Superthrive in my FAQ (which is somewhere in the CP archive, I
believe).
Superthrive is primarily Thiamine (B-1, I believe). The root systems
of Nepenthes respond quite well to this vitamin. Those of you who
know Nepenthes know that they live primarily in their leaves. Thus,
if you whack back a plant to the ground, it will take months to
recover. A strong root system equals a very strong Nepenthes.
However, I have used pure Thiamine before (I think Ortho makes this)
and have not acheived the same results. The other important
ingrediant is some sort of synthetic growth hormone. This growth
hormone seems to make up about a third of the equation to this
products success. There appears to be other "stuff" in Superthrive
that has also ensured its longevity.
Superthrive has been around for about 50 years. Much to their
detriment, the marketing people for Superthrive have felt that the
original packaging has the most bang for the buck. I would tend to
disagree. It quite honestly looks like snake oil. Had I not heard of
amazing results many years ago, I would not have tried it.
A word of caution: Do not overdose your plants. Doses greater than 5
times can produce retarded growth. Doses greater than 10 times can kill.
Nepenthes are quite happy to negotiate with you. They have a vested
interest in their species to do so. Here is the deal they offer:
either reproduce Mt. Kinabalu exactly, or give them some Superthrive.
Christopher Creel
ctcreel@hpbs1265.boi.hp.com