Any Experience Using Mykos (mycorrhizal fungi) with Orchids

[c123anderson]

Hi all. I wasn't sure where to post this question. If another discussion area would be more appropriate, please let me know.

Has anyone used Mykos (Xtreme brand) or a mycorrhizal fungi with their orchids? Any good results?

Can you apply to already-potted plants?

I understand that you can apply with repotting; I would like to know if you can use it without repotting.

[estación seca]

I haven't used that one. I've used Inocucor and Quantum-Total. The Arizona Highway Department uses mycorrhizal fungi on all new freeway plantings.

These products are fine to use at any time; no need to wait for repotting, unless you've used fungicides on your plants. There may be enough residual poison to kill the mycorrhizal fungi.

[c123anderson]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I haven't used that one. I've used Inocucor and Quantum-Total.

I use Quantum-Total as well. This is a different kind of fungi.

Originally Posted by estación seca

These products are fine to use at any time; no need to wait for repotting, unless you've used fungicides on your plants. There may be enough residual poison to kill the mycorrhizal fungi.

I ask because the directions indicate use at repotting. I'm not sure if this is a product I can sprinkle on or can use mixed into the water when watering plants.

[itzi]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I haven't used that one. I've used Inocucor and Quantum-Total. The Arizona Highway Department uses mycorrhizal fungi on all new freeway plantings.

These products are fine to use at any time; no need to wait for repotting, unless you've used fungicides on your plants. There may be enough residual poison to kill the mycorrhizal fungi.

Oh wow, I hadnt thought of the point of fungicides. I just used Acephate on my plants, should I worry about using Quantum-Total? I know its a pesticide so my assumption is no

[c123anderson]

Quantum-Total is a probiotic. It’s not a pesticide. Here’s Firstrays’ link for the product with a description.

Quantum-Total Plant Probiotic - 1 Quart

It’s just a different fungus. I also use Quantum-Total. It’s water soluble.

I found Xtrene’s website. I will call them in the morning and get the seller’s word on application.

[estación seca]

I don't know whether acephate kills fungus. I would guess not. It's an organophosphate insecticide that interferes with the nervous system of animals and leads to death by suffocation or inability to move.

[Ray]

My limited understanding is that the primary function of mycorrhizal fungi is to extend its colony of hyphae throughout the rhizosphere, gathering and sharing water and nutrients that are transferred into the roots by the mycorrhizae that penetrate them.

I’m not sure how effective mycorrhizal fungi are in non-soil media, or if any specific species or strain can penetrate the orchids’ roots, but even if they are, it may be that the bacteria in the probiotics could compete with the fungi, either killing or being killed by it..

Quantum products are 100% bacterial. Inocucor Garden Solution contained a single fungus - brewers yeast - along with an array of bacterial that were selected specifically to remain wholly compatible. The yeast was selected for its predation of pathogens, more than anything else.

[Dimples]

I’ve used a different product from Tri-C on my indoor houseplants potted in regular soilless media. I didn’t notice any changes to the plants. There was a noticeable increase in mushrooms growing in the pots for a couple years, and it’s possible (no way to know for sure) that the fungal network resulted in some hydrophobic pockets developing in the pots.

The way Ray and others use the liquid products as a semi-preventative is intriguing. I just haven’t had a reason to try it yet.