Hmmmm. The guaranteed analysis of the primary macro-nutrients (NPK) in Eleanor's is Analysis: 0.15 - 0.85 - 0.55 This is less than 1% of ANY of the majors. 1/8 of 1% N, 7/8 of 1% P, 1/2 of 1% K. This is EXTREMELY low in fertility. Since I cannot find the rest of the analysis, I'm going to guess the rest of the nutrients are probably nonexistent or nearly so. I haven't used this potion (VF-11), but then, you don't need to ride the bus to know what makes the wheels go round & round. Forgive me for being somewhat skeptical or even cynical, but when vague claims are made like: ... and mildew is eliminated because VF-11 changes the pH and creates a condition where mildew can not grow. Once again, isn't it amazing? I wonder why there isn't something specific in the claim. Changes the pH of what? Soil? Cellular pH? Leaf surface pH - for how long? Hmmm I also wonder at: VF-11 builds so much strength and health that plant cells 'harden' and 'seal in' the amino acids which aphids feed on. You have merely eliminated their food supply. And you have done it without the use of poisonous systemic or pesticides. Pretty nice...huh? Don't aphids feed on sap. How does this product make the sap unavailable to aphids? Does it somehow make cells so hard that they cannot be penetrated and dry up all the intra-cellular plant water/sap? Should I/we be saying GMAB here? There's more, but you get the drift. I wouldn't say that this product has no benefit, as it may very well have some, but I am of the general feeling there is almost surely no panacean value to products like Superthrive or this elixir, and it's a good bet it's not the magic potion some may think it to be. I don't trust advertising that is known to be false and this alone is enough to fuel the skepticism in me. One thing additional: The claim that "you cannot overdo", means there could only be extremely minute (almost immeasurable or nonexistent) amounts of any micro-nutrients in it because micro-nutrient overdose produces toxicity at even low levels and over-doing would reveal readily visible symptoms quickly. Like I said, I wouldn't argue that it has no value, but I do know that I would invest in a good, known source of micro-nutrients and an appropriate fertilizer before I'd trust plant vitality to a product labeled with insubstantial claims. Al

Whoa, nellie!! I didn't see any kind of "attack" in what PG said. She's just saying give Eleanor a chance to get back to you. But, in my experience, I couldn't get her to respond to e-mail, so I called her. She seems to always answer the phone or return a call if you leave a message. She's a nice lady to talk to and very helpful. However, on the down side, my sister finds her a bit difficult to "nail down" on shipping costs. It seems it changes every time she talks to her. For example, today, she might tell you shiping is $25, and tommorrow, she might say it's $40. It drives my sis batty! But the product is so good, she deals with it... If it seems too high today, she'll call her back another day to order... I'll see what else I can find out about shipping to Australia... Denise in Omaha

Golden you can use what ever you want to fertilize your Hoyas, plants don't care for brand names. I have never used VF-11 but I think it is a micronutrient additive vs macronutrients which include Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus that are the base of standard fertilizers. A kelp based concentrate would probably be a good replacement if you are looking for a fertilizer/foliage spray. I use the fertilizers that are for my orchids which is usually Dyna-Grow and more recently a switch to an organic fertilizer called Wegener's. I have even used an organic fish emulsion that was somehow rendered not stinky and I think that is a large component of the new Wegners fertilizer along with what is probably composted sheep manure. I use a balanced fertilizer or close to it anyways and I have stopped using bloom boosters because I think they are unnecessary as long as you provide the plant what it needs to flower. I use a more dilute fertilizer than is recommended on the labels and I fertilize more often instead of a heavy does every once and a while, that way I don't have to worry as much about fertilizer damage. I also use my fish aquarium water for my orchids and Hoyas and the low TDS (50/50 RO/tap) water that my Apistogramma Cichlids need is perfect for plants that are in terrariums or otherwise sensitive to mineral salt build up. If you have a hydroponics store locally I would recommend a visit because the ones in my area at least cater to orchid growers and have many potting additives, organic fertilizers, pest treatments, pots, lights and anything else you could ever need to grow just about anything. Mike

It's funny cause I was just telling someone about this stuff and that I get it at Charley's Greenhouse (online) like PG said I had mentioned a while ago. But I always confuse Charley's and Reed's. I actually don't get mine at Charley's (although they DO sell it and they might be a great store..but I have no experience with them). Sorry for the mix-up. Anyway, I get mine from Reed's Greenhouse, and they sell a 16oz bottle for $7.99 with a bonus 8oz bottle for free. Just thought I'd mention that cause I think it's a great deal. They are also always very fast with their delivery. I'll attach a link to their page where they sell Eleanor's. I just checked Charley's and they sell 16oz for 7.35 and a gallon for 24.95. I don't think Reed's sells anything larger than 16oz, so if you want to buy in bulk, Charley's may be better. But you can't beat the bonus bottle at Reed's! Ok...that's it...information overload :) Here is a link that might be useful: Reed's Greenhouse - Eleanor's page