Which is better fungicide: copper or sulfur?

[greenleaf]

Which type of fungicide is better for orchids, copper-based or sulfur-based? I just bought both of them from Home depot, one contains sulfur while the other contains copper. I know physan is better but I need to wait 1 week or more before it arrives thru the mail. But my cymbidium has been developing lots of (probably) fungal leaf spots and brown leaf tips. I also have a cattleya that has some root rot and could use treatment. I am just afraid that the fungicides will hurt the orchids in any way...

Thanks!

[Matilda]

I've never used the copper, but, I use the sulfur copiously. I've not seen any problems with my orchids, from using it.

[snakecharma]

I would think that the copper base would be more suitable for root issues that the sulphur, but afaik both are fine.

I use a milk base spray for fungus prevention on leaves, it's what we use on our roses for the dreaded black spot. You guys know that one?

[camille1585]

Can't you just get copper sulfate? In france copper sulfate is widely used for treatement in the vineyards and or many plants. It works much better as a preventative measure rather than curative, and i suspect it's the same for only copper or only sulfate products

[Sandrilene]

Originally Posted by snakecharma

I would think that the copper base would be more suitable for root issues that the sulphur, but afaik both are fine.

I use a milk base spray for fungus prevention on leaves, it's what we use on our roses for the dreaded black spot. You guys know that one?

No never heard of it would like to know about it though

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by Sandrilene

No never heard of it would like to know about it though

copper sulfate is known as Bordeux mixture because it is used on grapes and was discovered to be a fungicide by the growers in the Borduex region of France.....

I dont know but I am just a little cautious of it in s/h since it is also used as a algae treatment so I have the feeling it has herbicidal properties in a wetter situation than foliar applications?

[quiltergal]

Try Phyton 27. It can be used as a foliar spray, a root drench, etc. Physan 20 has no fungicidal properties. It is a bacteriacide/disinfectant.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Physan 20 has no fungicidal properties. It is a bacteriacide/disinfectant.

Not true, Terri. Physan 20 is a bactericide, fungicide, algaecide and virucide. Specifically, it is a topical treatment, not a systemic one.

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by snakecharma

I would think that the copper base would be more suitable for root issues that the sulphur, but afaik both are fine.

I use a milk base spray for fungus prevention on leaves, it's what we use on our roses for the dreaded black spot. You guys know that one?

When I first started gardening, all of the old-timers recommended spraying milk on the leaves of plants to prevent fungus. I use this for my tropical plants when they are outside for the summer (I stop once I bring them indoors) and have never had a problem, no matter what the weather.

[snakecharma]

Black spot / Fungus spray -
1 part full cream milk (off milk is best, but not essential) to 10 parts water.
Mix well and spray.
A tiny, tiny pinch of condy's crystals should be added to the mix, but as it can be hard to get sometimes, its not super important and the spray does work without it.

(they use this spray on the avenue of roses at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne)
HTH