Physan 20 and flower spikes

[Kennybob]

I had some problems with my orchids, and treated them with 2 tsp Physan 20 per gallon, about a month ago, and they seemed to perk up. I would like to use a monthly program of Physan 20 on them, and was wondering if it would adversely affect the flower spikes, as the Phals, Vandas and Cats are about ready to bloom.

[Donald]

Did your orchids have a fungus or some other pathogens that possesed you to use it in the first place? Would be interesting to know just what problem the Physan got rid of to perk your plants up considering it's not a fertilizer. Someone else will chime in and help but I can't see how it would or could for that matter effect spikes.

[Kennybob]

Originally Posted by Donald

Did your orchids have a fungus or some other pathogens that possesed you to use it in the first place? Would be interesting to know just what problem the Physan got rid of to perk your plants up considering it's not a fertilizer. Someone else will chime in and help but I can't see how it would or could for that matter effect spikes.

From the pictures I compared, it appeared to be a bacterial infection. Thanks for the response. When I can open up the greenhouse, I'll do it again. Been a cold winter in Florida this year.

[richardb]

You are so lucky to be able to use Physan 20. Here in the UK our Dept of Agriculture has recently banned the product - and more than that it has required traders to destroy their stocks. I cannot find any reason except that UK & EU have not granted a licence for it. Physan is such a super and safe product for our orchids. I have used it for many years without problem on spikes, but FLOWERS definitely do not like it so make sure you keep the spray on the foliage alone for flowering plants.
Richard

[Kennybob]

Thanks Richard. I'd been having trouble with the spikes turning brown and not blooming. I didn't want to take a chance.

[BikerDoc5968]

Don't want to step on toes or offend anyone so please I trust no one will get their nose out of joint with the following: Physan 20 and SA-20 (RD-20 old name) are EXACTLY the same chemical product; they are synergistic quarternary ammonium disinfectants. Both are the same percentage of the same two chemicals. Having said this mouthful, the label on SA-20 specifically states: Botrytis Petal Blight: During cool weather, spray plants, flowers and under benches at first sign of spotting on flowers. Normally, weekly sprayings will greatly reduce or eliminate the botrytis spotting. Use 1 tsp. of R-D-20 Greenhouse Disinfectant per 3 gallons of water. From this I would think that Physan-20 may be safely used to spray the flowers. You should spray early in the day to allow everything to dry by nightfall. I use it this stuff all the time and spray EVERYTHING in the greenhouse... does a reasonable job on the algae, too! I use SA-20 because I believe it is less expensive than its cousin by about half.

[Connie Star]

I use it this stuff all the time and spray EVERYTHING in the greenhouse... does a reasonable job on the algae, too! I use SA-20 because I believe it is less expensive than its cousin by about half.

From another doctor, is this stuff safe to spray or is it a problem as an inhalant? I have been using it occasionally to clean around my 'chids, but I wipe rather than spray.

[BikerDoc5968]

This is the label for Physan - 20. As you see it has some risk warnings but I don't aerosolize/mist, I spray the product so I don't "think" I'm inhaling it. Anyway, I've been using it for about 2 - 3 yrs and I'm still here! I am very careful about diluting the concentrate and never exceed the label recommendations. The labeling for SA-20 reads almost exactly as for Physan-20

http://www.planetnatural.com/planetn...n-20-label.pdf

[richardb]

No bruised toes nor bleeding nose. I guess that is what makes orchid growing so interesting that there are as many opinions as there are growers. Most interested to hear that Physan on flowers is OK for some............I guess I shall no longer have the chance to experiment spraying my flowers with Physan again. My search for an alternative in the UK continues.
Richard

[BikerDoc5968]

Richard, while I can't absolutely verify this, there are some that say Lysol Liquid commonly found in grocery stores, etc.) used in dilute form works just as well. I don't know for sure if it is a quarternary ammonium product.