Quote:
Originally Posted by PaphMadMan
I'm not sure where you are seeing a recommendation for hydrogen peroxide soak, but I would consider it a very bad idea. Not only is it largely useless, but can cause extensive damage. It might seem like a valid idea for cleaning a cut or broken point in a root, but it can be translocated through the vascular tissue of the plant and cause an extensive area of necrosis, almost guaranteeing rot in the damaged tissue.
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Agreed, PaphMadMan. I see that recommendation on and off from time to time here. I am NOT in favor of it, and think it's a bad idea. Pretty sure SaraJean feels the same way, but can't speak for her. I was looking for the science behind it, as her question posed, when giving the response of Oh HECK NO...Don't do that! Otherwise, it's a hard argument to make against someone whose friend does it, or it must be true because I saw it on a YouTube video.
---------- Post added at 09:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray
Having worked with drugstore-grade 3% H2O2, 50% industrial grade, and Biosafe Oxidate @ ~0.1-0.2% H2O2 application rate, I can provide some anecdotal comments backed by a small amount of science.
3% H2O2 is basically worthless as a disinfectant. The stabilizer in it is so weak that it completely decomposes within seconds of application, leaving behind a pool of water in which pathogens can multiply. Does it damage the few root hairs orchids have? Maybe, but I doubt it's significant due to the transient nature of the peroxide.
Some growers claim it is a good oxygenator of potting media. Yes, it releases oxygen as it decomposes, but that too is transient, and using a water breaker and watering heavily probably does as much benefit.
50% H2O2 is much too corrosive of anything metallic or organic.
Biosafe Systems Oxidate (a.k.a. Biosafe Disease Control) has a very weak concentration of peroxide, but it is stabilized with peroxyacetic acid, so it is a very good disinfectant, as it stays chemically active until it is dry. I used it extensively in my greenhouse in PA, as a general spray and as a repot cleanse, and I never saw any sign of phytotoxicity - no doubt due to the low concentration. It will corrode skin if you have contact with its concentrated (27% H2O2) form.
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Interesting, and never heard of Biosafe Disease Control. Appears to be something I'd like to put in my "just in case" arsenal. Would that be something one could sterilize LECA with? I have several gallons of LECA that's barely been used, and seems a shame not to reuse. Of course, I throw away old yucky stuff.
What in the heck does one use industrial grade H202 for?
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