Originally Posted by butterfly_muse (Post 574583)

As someone who is brand new to the hobby, do you think I should pony up the cash to test my guys? Or should I just get a handle on how to even grow them first? They are all from big box stores, and after reading around, I guess those are the most commonly infected. Has anyone ever gotten any from stores that WEREN'T infected? Are all big box store orchids infected?

Originally Posted by SJF (Post 574588)

I don't think all big box store plants are infected. I think some are, but they can be from big growers too. I now never buy ones with spotty leaves or with weird markings. Carter & Holmes guarantees virus free plants, just watch size you are considering. I don't want to wait three years for my first bloom, but that is me. Plus, as I mentioned, they are touchier.

I treat all of my plants as if they are virused. I have tested a lot of my plants and dumped the virused ones. It was expensive to do. How many orchids do you have?

Originally Posted by The Orchid Boy (Post 574590)

I've never had an infected orchid, even from Lowes and other big box stores. Before you get any more orchids (:)), get yourself some Physan 20. It is on ebay for good prices and free shipping. Here's a brief description:

Here's a link to some for sale: Physan 20 Pint | eBay

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse (Post 574591)

I currently have nine orchids, all Phals, that I have modge podged over the last few months. There are a couple that I wouldn't feel bad about tossing but I have some that are special to me as well (like my very first one that got me into the hobby).

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I almost bought some Physan 20 last week but I decided not to because it seemed as if it was more geared toward people with larger operations that use A LOT of water. I have a spray bottle and I water my orchids with the faucet. ^^; I only have 9 of them so I don't have a huge operation going.

Originally Posted by SJF (Post 574593)

First Rays sells Physan too and his prices and S&H rates are great.

For a smaller collection you could send samples to Critter Creek. It would be cheaper than buying a whole pack of testing strips.

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse (Post 574594)

Aren't the Physan proportions something like 1 tsp per like 5 gallons of water? It was something super crazy that made me change my mind. I can size down one tbls per gallon. I can't size down one tbls per 5 gallons.

Originally Posted by SJF (Post 574597)

2 tsp. per gallon for orchids

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:) (Post 574598)

I don't recommend getting Physan 20 on the roots. All the other parts of the plant are ok. I am of the opinion that they shouldn't touch the roots at all.

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse (Post 574599)

Okay, I must have been looking at something larger, because I remember getting the impression that it was for larger operations.

In other news, how do you keep track of which sample you send in for testing is from which plant?

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How come? O_O there is still so much to learn!