Sterilizing Cutting Tools

[Davey]

I know it is very important to sterilize your cutting tools begfore pruning your orchids, but is it important to do that for every other type of plant? Would it be good to sterilze a pair of shears before pruning an orange tree, or to do the same to a pair of snippers before trimming on old garden roses?

[Call_Me_Bob]

I would, just to be safe. In the bonsai hobby, it is recommended, so I would say sterilize to be safe

[Call_Me_Bob]

I would, just to be safe. In the bonsai hobby, it is recommended, so I would say sterilize to be safe

[Gin]

I agree, I read there are regular plants that transmit virus to each other and possibly to orchids .Not sure about the Orchids , better to be safe then sorry ..

[Call_Me_Bob]

sorry, it double posted somehow....

[CTB]

Mama said: Better to be safe than sorry!

[Connie Star]

Hmm. Up to how big a plant? My hubby is a tree surgeon. They used to use a vile substance that was impossible to get off of clothes called tree paint on the wounds left when they cut limbs from trees, but apparently that was unnecessary, much to the betterment of our washing machine!
I've been sterilizing with rubbing alcohol. I haven't had any problems, but then I haven't been at this for very long. I figure it is better to lose a plant than to get second degree burns. Did I mention that I am a klutz? So "playing with fire" doesn't appeal to me. Are there other options besides alcohol?

[Call_Me_Bob]

I use rubbing alchohol as well.

[Shirley]

Some of the knowledgeable growers here use a saturate solution of TSP for sterilizing their shears so I'm going along with that. Easy to do and inexpensive. Leave the cutters in the solution for ten minutes or so. If you're doing a lot of repotting, it's good to have two sets of shears and alternate.

[britbloke]

I'm contemplating using a saturated TSP solution, can anyone tell me if it rusts or corrodes tools, especially if left in the solution for long periods? Tony