Physan and Misting System - Orchid Board

kavanaru · #1 06-15-2008, 01:01 PM

I was just wondering if I could save some time by adding Physan to the water-reservoir of my misting system, so that all my plants are sprayed with a preventive Physan solution once a month... Have anybody here tried that before? Would the Physan affect the nozzles or the pump?

Ross · #2 06-15-2008, 01:50 PM

Not only would it affect the nozzles (maybe not the pump) but would leave an unsightly residue on the walls of your tank. I am presuming you have a wardian case or the equiv.? I use only RO water (or distilled). If you are blasting the spray into the air around your plants in your house, then I worry about residue causing health issues. Have you read the warning label for Physan 20? I guess I would caution against it. Yep, it a pain, but probably worth the effort to do manually.

kavanaru · #3 06-15-2008, 02:04 PM

well, actually I do not have a tank, but shelve in the picture. Currently it is outside in the balcony and not in the living room as in the picture... so I do not care much about residue on the balcony, especially not if it sprayed only once a month, when I am not even in the flat... as I said, it was just a thought...

but you are right, maybe I should pay more attention to the label...

Becca · #4 06-15-2008, 03:15 PM

Perhaps I should read more into the warning label as well. I have added Physan 20 to my water in my water reservoir of my MistKing System and I haven't noticed any problems so far and it has been about a month since I have been using it this way. I try to keep it pretty dilute since I noticed the solution is starting to kill off some of the live moss growing on my mounts that I like the looks of. I haven't noticed any residue build up on the sides yet either. If I run into problems with the nozzles, I can always replace them if needed.

kavanaru · #5 06-15-2008, 03:19 PM

Becca, at which concentration do you use teh Physan for your MistKing System?

Becca · #6 06-15-2008, 03:56 PM

I am bad, I haven't been measuring, I just poor a few little drops in, probably equivalent to a teaspoon or so. My water reservoir holds about a gallon to a gallon and a half of water, I noticed at first that it smelled a little on the strong side so I didn't add any more Physan the next time I refilled the water reservoir. It still had some of the Physan mixture left in it since I never let the water reservoir go completely empty. I have noticed I don't have a problem with algea growing at the bottom of my orchidarium any more, that means I can be lazy and not clean it as often...lol.

Ray · #7 06-16-2008, 06:10 AM

The label recommends against adding it to irrigation systems, probably for safety's sake. If used in misting, be sure you are not exposed to it, as they stuff is really bad for eyes and mucous membranes.

Ross · #8 06-16-2008, 09:49 AM

I just don't like the idea of spraying a chemical like this indiscriminantly. Sort of like spraying Malathion all over your garden just in case... I believe it's use of chemicals outside the controls they were designed for, that has led in part to elimination of some of the old stand-bys except for registered applicators.

Des · #9 06-16-2008, 11:40 AM

I was once told that physan is a growth retardant and that it is not a good idea to spray your plants with it too often. It should only be used when necessary. Can anyone confirm this ? This is why i use Sporekill in my sprayers and drip systems.

Ross · #10 06-16-2008, 11:51 AM

This is a copy of a post made last year that has some interesting information about Physan 20:

"Ross, I'm sure your post regarding Physan 20 was intended for good purposes, but it is entirely incorrect. I've learned several things about message boards. One, they are the best source of misinformation ever invented by mankind. Secondly, it is best to ignore the misinformation because the originator or his friends will fight to the death to defend their misinformation and their right to believe it. However, I can't ignore misinformation regarding safety issues.

There is no doubt that Physan 20 is a useful broad spectrum biocide. Like most broad spectrum products it is probably less effective for most problems than a product intended to treat the specific problem at hand. However, I agree that one does not always know exactly what a problem is and a broad spectrum product is useful in such cases.

So far so good...problem is that you imply Physan 20 is organic (meaning naturally derived) and that it is safe to use. Neither assertion is even remotely factural. Read the label. Physan 20 carries the "Danger" label. This the strongest warning in the Danger, Warning, Caution hazard rating system. It is not to be used in a greenhouse containing edible products, it kills fish when put in waterways, and it is a danger to humans if not properly used. It is not even remotely "organic" if you mean naturally occuring or derived from nature when you use that term. Interestingly it is specifically against California law to use it on plants.

I am not an organic nut case. Actually just the opposite is true. I believe in determining the problem and using the most specific and least dangerous remedy available. I also acknowledge that broad spectrum products can be very useful. I have nothing against the use of Physan 20, but I hate to see it misrepresented to an entire message board as safe or organic. It is neither."

I don't think anyone has ever contested this response (including me.)