hydrogen peroxide as fertilizer?
I was wondering if anyone here has experience with using hydrogen peroxide as a nutritional supplement for their orchids. It seems to be working for hydroponics farmers at 500-1000 ppm. For anyone that's curious about the chemistry, H2O2 decomposes spontaneously into water and oxygen gas. The oxygen kills anaerobic mold and fungi and also oxygenates the plant. Now this is the part that surprises me, since I was led to believe that oxygen was a waste product in photosynthesis.
However, this is something I pulled form Wikipedia:
"Some horticulturalists and users of hydroponics advocate the use of weak hydrogen peroxide solution ("Spanish water") in watering solutions. Its spontaneous decomposition releases oxygen that enhances a plant's root development and helps to treat root rot (cellular root death due to lack of oxygen) and a variety of other pests.[20][21] There is some peer-reviewed academic research to back up some of the claims.[22]"
I dipped the roots of my Aerangis Fastuosa in a 1.5% solution and it seems to have perked it up a bit. So if anyone else feels adventurous, I hope it works out for you. I'd just like to add that one should avoid anything with additives, be very sure to check the ingredients.
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