A question about flame sterilization

[NDW76]

I have found some cheap cutters and a cheap knife that I plan to reserve for the sole use on my orchids. Because they are only cheap I don't mind using a flame to sterilize them. But I need to know, is the flame from a cigarette lighter hot enough to kill any nastiness?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes. Do it for about a minute give or take.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by NDW76

I have found some cheap cutters and a cheap knife that I plan to reserve for the sole use on my orchids. Because they are only cheap I don't mind using a flame to sterilize them. But I need to know, is the flame from a cigarette lighter hot enough to kill any nastiness?

According to one of the most trusted voices in orchid growing, a lighter is not enough...neither is a small propane like the ones used for Creme Brulee.

If you're going to use heat as a disinfectant, you need to use a real propane torch and heat the knife/cutters/clippers from the middle of the flame, not the end of it where it's not as hot.