Fungicide Recommendations Please - Orchid Board

Douglas Scanlan · #1 11-07-2009, 05:39 PM

I know that cinnimon is great for spot treatment, but I am hoping to get some advice on a commercial fungicide spray for more ubiquitous fungus infections, such as for instance the rot that happens inside the crown and to leaves of my Phals if water collected in the area where the leaves connect to the stem. Or, for that matter, a fungicide for root rot. Currently I have a bottle "Safer" brand organic gardening fungicide. The bottle just says "for flowers, fruits, and vegetables" and "controls powdery mildew, black spot, and rust". The active ingredient is 0.40% sulfer. I have no idea if this is a good thing to spray a sick Phal with.

Singingcrow · #2 11-17-2009, 12:16 AM

Hi there,

I know you're looking for some commercial magic worker, but I have no experience with these. I can, however, recommend coconut oil. It has natural anti-fungal properties. If warmed just above 25C it will liquify and you can easily pour a small amount into the crown and rub some onto the roots themselves.

Hope this helps!

Douglas Scanlan · #3 11-17-2009, 12:56 AM

Thats a great suggestion. All natural and non-chemical is nice. Since my original post I have learned that the sulfer is a recommended preventer of future fungus taking hold (although will not get rid of that which is already established). Sulfer is what I have right now. Other suggestions: Worm Tea as a fertilizer/antifungal combo, and hydrogen peroxide. If I continue to have problems in the future, I may resort to a systemic chemical solution, but for now I think I am learning to get the fungus under control. I don't mist anymore, and I never water above the roots. My home is highly humidified which means I need to be a lot more on the guard against fungus. But my Phals like the humidity.

Douglas Scanlan · #4 11-17-2009, 12:59 AM

By the way, does the coconut oil kill off already established fungus, or prevent new fungus, or both?

Singingcrow · #5 11-17-2009, 01:05 AM

Both, and it won't clog the leaves or roots either.

Douglas Scanlan · #6 11-17-2009, 01:09 AM

Good to know, and it is especially helpful to have something I can safely apply directly to the roots. Do you apply it all over the roots or just spot treat them wherever there is an issue?

Singingcrow · #7 11-17-2009, 01:21 AM

I applied it all over, even at the base of the root system. You never know what might be developing that our human eyes can't see.

Douglas Scanlan · #8 11-17-2009, 01:30 AM

what if I just dip all the roots into a bowl of coconut oil? Too much?

Singingcrow · #9 11-17-2009, 01:38 AM

Umm.. yeah. Would you want to be dunked into a vat of oil or have it lovingly applied? Gentle and patient is the key here me thinks.

Douglas Scanlan · #10 11-17-2009, 01:45 AM

HaHa OK.
I just figured if its good for the roots, why not? We dip out roots in all sorts of stuff.
I can be patient though (I think).