Algae in pots
 

Two months ago I started 6 "phrags" using S/H and have noticed that I'm getting algae growth. The plants are quite healthy and was curious as how to handle this, or is it OK to just ignore it?

Thanks Ray you carry a good produce.

I don't know about s/h but Physan 20 used monthly is a great way to control algea, fungus and bacteria.

Hmmm?? When using Physan 20 how do you apply this to S/H? Do you directly spray this on the medium? Not to jack this thread but I just started S/H and I've been getting what looks like white fuzzy white mold on the tip of the roots. So far. I've just been removing and replacing the media with new "steriled/bleached" medium. I also increased air circulation which seemed to have helped. But if using physan directly on the medium can rid of the mold then it would certainly save me some time in tending my new S/H setup.

physan will definately remove it and it kills the spores so that it won't return quickly. Some growers use it once a month to keep fungus under control. I would not use it in the s/h water all the time but use it periodically. A hydroponics expert could probably give you some good advice. They must run into this problem all the time.

For what it's worth I found this recommendation on the physan 20 web-site about african violets grown with a water resivior. "Three fourths of a teaspoon of Physan may be added to each gallon of water used in individual reservoirs. This acts as a fungicide".

Thanks tucker85!

While the algae looks rather ugly in the s/h pots, it doesn't do anything bad to the plants. In fact, in my growing environment, I think it actually keeps the pellets moister (is that a word?)for a longer period. I just let it do it's thing, and when I repot, clean the leca and container, and let the algae start over.

Bill

Hi Bill:

How often do you repot (using the s/h method)?

Dail

1) Algae is just an aesthetic issue; it will not harm the plants.

2) Physan at 1/2- to 1 tsp per gallon is best used as a drench about every 4-6 weeks as a preventive measure. Using it to kill algae that's in place will be a good way to turn the pot into a cesspool. Liquid chlorine bleach can also be used that way, at about 1/2 - 1 ounce per gallon.

3) If you have algae and don't like it, repot and clean it up, as Bill said.