Hi, Cynthia. I grow most of my potted plants in semi-hydroponics using clear-to-translucent pots, and since that is a constantly moist and nutritious environment, algae is a "fact of life".
I now use Physan on a regular basis, but used the bleach solution for years with no issue. In either case, I routinely spray the greenhouse walls, floor, benches, plants, and soak the pots. One reason I like Physan better - besides the smell - is that the bleach is a sodium salt (sodium hypochlorite) compound while the Physan is based upon ammonium salt compounds. Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schnitz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <orchids@orchidguide.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 12:12 PM Subject: Re: [OGD] ALGAE CONTROL > Ray, are you suggesting I spray the top of my pots and the exposed roots, > where necessary, with chlorine bleach at 1 oz per gal? Have you done this > without damage to the roots? It is not inattention. Unless I can find a > safe spray to eliminate the problem, I think I will try just placing a > very > lose and dry covering of moss on top of the pot to cut off light to the > algae. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ > > >> Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:42:00 -0400 >> From: "Ray B" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Subject: Re: [OGD] ALGAE CONTROL >> To: <Orchids@orchidguide.com> >> Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; >> reply-type=original >> >> Hi, Giles. >> >> I did not intend to refer to any form of neglect, but when I have seen >> algae >> buildup so bad it affects the plants, it's a case of inattention, at >> best. >> >> I have found that a treatment ever 4- to 6 weeks with Physan at one >> teaspoon >> per gallon, or liquid chlorine bleach at one ounce per gallon does the >> trick. >> >> Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com >> Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info! >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Giles Smith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <Orchids@orchidguide.com> >> Sent: Monday, September 24, 2007 3:47 PM >> Subject: [OGD] ALGAE CONTROL >> >> >>> Ray Barkalow said: >>> >>>>By allowing that severe of a development of algae, you are >>>>allowing it to suffocate the roots. >>> >>> The verb "allowing" caught my eye. In this case it infers passive lack >>> of >>> action. What we all want to know is what positive action we can take to >>> prevent that algae growth, especially in a mix of moss in transparent >>> pots. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. >>> >>> Giles Smith >>> _______________________________________________ >>> the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) >>> orchids@orchidguide.com >>> http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com > > > _______________________________________________ > the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) > orchids@orchidguide.com > http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
