Condies Crystals on Orchids

[gladwrap]

Hi Guys
I do not know whether this is in the right thread but as I am a newbie don't be too bad on me.
A lot of the good growers down here in Australia spray their orchids with Condies Crystals (potassium permanganate) can anybody tell me what does this do and is it benificial to the culture of them.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizer (like bleach). A quick look on Google suggests that growers that use it believe that it:

provides potassium and "oxygenates" the roots,

or

is a disinfectant that helps control fungus and bacteria.

This is the first time I have heard of anyone using it with orchids. Maybe some Australian growers can explain what it does, & their experience with using it? To me it sounds like a somewhat risky chemical to use on plants, but maybe the key is to use it at the right dilution? Let us know what you find out.

[Subrosa]

It is most certainly a good disinfectant. It's commonly used in ponds to oxidize away excess organics and kills pathogens and even parasites when used properly. I've used it for this myself many times. The difference between poison and medicine is often just dosage. I would certainly want the benefit of someone else's real world experience before I'd consider using it on my plants.

[DavidCampen]

I would think that KMnO4 would be a good disinfectant and possibly anti-fungal for use on plants. I would like to know more about its use in Australia for this purpose, specifically what concentration is used but also any other important details. One caveat is that KMnO4 will stain things like concrete, wood ...

[gladwrap]

Henk van den Berg who in my humble opinion is one if not the best grower of Australian Native Dendrobium Hybrids (eg Avrils Gold) in my country and has a story on how he grows them in the current issue of the Australian Orchid Review and uses it at the rate of 6grams per 200lts of water and also combines it with 150grams in the same 200 lts of water and uses it at least twice a year in the spring and autumn. I contacted Henk and he said it has a twofold purpose as a mild fungicide and also has a trace element in it,whose name escaped him at the time, I have also heard of other growers down here (Australia) who use it as well so I am going to try it myself,the consenses being just enough to colour the water (at users risk).
I also reccommend that you guys read the story that Henk wrote in the Orchid Review. (Home)
as Henk says he has no secrets and has some valueable information and pictures on how to grow these Australian beauties.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by gladwrap

Henk van den Berg ... uses it at the rate of 6grams per 200lts of water and also combines it with 150grams in the same 200 lts of water. ...

6 grams of potassium permanganate and 150 grams of what?

[Orchid Whisperer]

gladwrap, the trace element in potassium permanganate would most likely be manganese.

Oh, and thanks for the other info. I think Davids question about the "150" may point to some words in your post that were accidentally deleted or left out?

[gladwrap]

Sorry I forgot to put it in,Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate)

[snakecharma]

the use of condy's crystals as a fungicide used to be very common in the nursery industry.
I have used it myself on my cyms, especially in our humid sydney summers for control of various rots.

The water should have the faintest pink tinge to it only when used, and basically you dunk the pot in the mix.

Also a tiny amount Condys Crystals mixed with milk & water makes an excellent spray for fungals like black spot on roses.

[Ray]

Personally, I think it's a waste of time.

Any good complete fertilizer is going to proved the potassium and trace elements the plants need, and the concept of "oxygenating the medium" is transient, at best, and of little value.

Yes, plants need oxygen, but if you water thoroughly and use a good water breaker to make that stream into gentle rain, the water will be fully oxygenated, and will draw in more with the air that is "sucked through" by the water flow.

And if you really need a disinfectant, there are better, plant-friendly, and more-easily used ones out there.