Newbie asks -Keiki paste alternative, re allergy
 

Apologies if this has been addressed before... total rube here.

I cannot come into contact with lanolin as I'll end up with eczema, breathing difficulties, the lot! So lucky!

I heard/read that lanolin is the carrier for keiki pastes, and I'm not willing to risk accidental contact, or waste disposable gloves, in dealing with it.

I'm absolutely open to making my own, however I'd like to know if anyone knows of another suitable carrier? I already make a petroleum jelly substitute from olive oil and beeswax - does anyone think that might work, or know why it wouldn't?

I can easily adjust consistency - I have experience in making soaps, cosmetics, dying textiles etc, so get as technical as you like - love my chemistry.

I'll have spikes to propagate from shortly, so just wondering.

I need your :twocents:

Thanks in advance for any and all thoughts on the matter.

Hmmm interesting issue.

I have seen people concerned that petroleum jelly would be a liability in sunlight and potentially heat up or burn the plants. I’ve only read about this anecdotally so I am not too sure if there is any basis behind it.

I’d say try on a mini or rescue phal from a big box store and see

Hi Again DC!

Yes, I wouldn't actually use Pet. Jelly, only my substitute... having said that, I'm growing indoors, no direct sun, so that's moot, I guess?

Am tempted to just use the aspirin paste I use on other things, and see.

In Australia, even a severely discounted orchid is really expensive. The phals were $23.50, cheapest I could find anywhere. All the rescue type orchids are generally sent back before discounting in our area. Have just discovered a local orchid nursery - will have to see if he'll let me go through his bins, lol.