Use of Physan 20 and Phyton 27
 

I've read several posts about Physan 20 and a few that mentioned Phyton 27, but I'm not sure what the difference is.

Do you use Physan 20 regularly or just when repotting? Does anyone use Physan 20 to sterilize tools and pots?

What do you use Phyton 27 for?

Physan 20 like a lot of products is multi use so you can use it with most things, ie plants,tools,cleaning etc just do as the label states .
Don't know about Phyton 27 but it sides like a similar product ?

They are completely different from each other. The name is the only thing that sounds similar.

Phyton 27 is a chelated copper sulfate medication. It is a systemic bactericide and fungicide.

Be aware that this product is not a cure all. There are certain diseases that are actually resistant to this medication.

Use this sparingly. It is not necessary to keep using it when the plants are healthy.


Physan 20 is a quaternary ammonium solution (I don't quite know what this means chemically speaking, it's complicated, but it is what it is).


Just to let you guys know, I'm only somewhat familiar with chelated copper sulfate products only because they also pop up in the tropical fish hobby.

Is Physan 20 something I should use regularly to prevent bacteria and fungus? Also, where can I buy it?

No, don't ever use medication on a regular basis. It's not meant to be used that way. That's how "super bugs" are created (super bugs are pathogens that have developed a resistance to many kinds of medications).

It's not fun dealing with super bugs.

Physan 20 is found in a lot of different nurseries and garden centers. Just do a google search.

Phyton 27 is a bit harder to find, but Orchids Unlimited has them for a reasonable price.


If you don't mind me asking. Do you happen to have diseased plants or something?

You can use Physan 20 to sanitize tools, pots, and work benches as needed.

But as preventative for plants, not in a million years! (Some people may differ in opinions, but this is what I've got to say.)

It's not necessary. Plants have a defense system of their own.

Kinda like how taking antibiotics when you're not sick is really not advisable for the same reasons. Except, this time, you're also damaging your stomach lining and upsetting the intestinal bacterial balance as well.

My plants aren't diseased. I've just been reading so many things about orchid growing that I didn't know. I've never treated my plants for any kind of diseases, but, other than not blooming very often, they all seem to be very healthy. I've had them for about 6-7 years and have only lost one (mealybugs). Maybe I'm just looking for problems where there are none. :confused:

Only use chemicals when all else fails. Good air moving about will help and more space between pots' , stop watering. Here in the South where we're growing outside we are getting a lot of rain and spraying with physan 20 after every tropical depression as a preventive measure.

Minda, if your orchids aren't blooming once a year try increasing the amount of light they receive.

Thanks, tucker85. I'm in the process of doing that. It's hard to find grow lights locally.