Alcohol differences/use

[JackiBlu]

Many of you know I am on a huge learning curve here.. and happen to have some time these days to just sit and read everything I can on these orchids that I llove so much and hopefully retain what I learn.

There is much talk of the various cures for the many ailments of orchids. My prupose to be sure I have on hand all the things I could possibly need if/when the time comes - because, I know how I will react, I will go in to HIGH panic mode and don't want to run around freaked trying to find all the cures when it may be a time sensitive ailment (or not) .. so I am putting together my Orchid medical bag if you will.

Now, so here is my question.. Much much talk of the use of alcohol. OK, no problem well, until this morning it was mentioned DENATURED alcohol. Up until then I just assumed we were all referring to what I/we have on hand in our medicine cabinets isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Then I didn't know if it was the same, the label just says isopropyl. Called my local pharmacy and he was of no help but referred me to the poison control center. I can't wait for them to come to work then wait on hold for 30 days to get an answer.. So went to google > Newton, Ask A Scientist and found a paper comparing the two
[ Alcohol Differences ]

Read this paper.. its a very interesting read. (to me anyway, but I never studied alcohol before either ).

Once you read it, can someone please confirm which alcohol is used, that I would want to have in my orchid medical bag? It seems the denatured can kill a person and I wouldn't want it kill my orchids if the additives are that awful.

Thanks for your insight and knowledge. You guys are wunnerful!!

[Royal]

Use Isopropyl. In a pinch you could use grain alcohol (ehtanol) sold at a liquor store wich is a higher concentration, but a lot more expensive. You could use vodka, which unless you are in a fraternity, you are more likely to have around. But rubbing alcohol is the cheapest. No need to even mess with the denatured stuff.

[JackiBlu]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Use Isopropyl. In a pinch you could use grain alcohol (ehtanol) sold at a liquor store wich is a higher concentration, but a lot more expensive. You could use vodka, which unless you are in a fraternity, you are more likely to have around. But rubbing alcohol is the cheapest. No need to even mess with the denatured stuff.

G'Mornin Royal, and thank you! The only experience with alchohol is the norm... drinking it and disinfecting with it. With the small exception that I recalled usng denatured in college for something or nuther in my lab classes, but paint me confuzzled, that was too long ago and I know we never discussed the differences in the two.

I am grateful its the regular alcohol, come to find out some denatured is regulated by the ATF??? Say whaaaat? Yeppers, it is. And I don't think I even want to know why.

Thanks again!

[BURR]

JackiBlu

It's for you to drink so you won't be """I know how I will react, I will go in to HIGH panic mode and don't want to run around freaked """

It helps with the "Chill"

[Sandy4453]

Isopropyl, Jackie. 70-90% on cuts followed by cinnamon, stops the spread. It's also good to get rid of those beasties, mealies. If you ever do have an infestation of mealies, spray the entire plant and rinse. Don't let the alchohol absorb for more than 5 minutes. When you spray on cuts, no need to rinse.

[brighteyez]

sandy, when you say cinnamon, is the reg cinnamon you find in your spice rack good enough?

[Vanessa]

brighteyze...thats the one!

[jkofferdahl]

Rubbing alcohol is what you want to use. Denatured alcohol has additives which are poisonous to people, and thus likely to not be good for orchids. Take one you don't like and rub it down with gasoline and see what happens! (Not really - just kidding!!!) The article omitted a third type of alcohol, which is grain alcohol. Grain is made from a natural grain fermentation, and is what we drink - though straight grain alcohol is 190 proof, or 95% pure alcohol, so I wouldn't suggest drinking that! Grain alcohol is a great solvent, and I always keep a bottle of it around my house to dissolve tars and goop, but don't use it on my orchids. Goodness knows what a drunken orchid might do!

[Ross]

I have a steady supply of Vodka so that is what I use (for orchids ) It is the only thing I have found to stop mold and fungus in its tracks! Bar none. I use it to treat mold on my expensive cigar collection. I use it to stop mold and rot on my expensive mini mounts collection as well. Just keep it from the roots of possible.

[RosieC]

My husband read somewhere that one of the types of alchol shouldn't be used as it's molecules are too small and get absorbed into the roots of Orchids too much and stave them of water.

Unfortunatley I can't remember which this was.

Has anyone else heard this and is it true?