Hydrogen peroxide is used not only in medicine but also in gardening. Diluted in the right conditions, it can oxygenate plants, disinfect, and serve as a preventative and treatment for infections. Hydrogen peroxide is colorless and odorless. When diluted with water, it breaks down into oxygen and water, producing a rain-like effect on the plant itself. The key is moderation.
Purposes of use: benefits and harms
Harm to the plant can only be caused by using the solution incorrectly or not applying it in moderation. For example, if you regularly treat the plant this way, it will lose its ability to fight off the disease on its own, weakening its immune system. The positive aspects far outweigh the negative ones:
- cleans pests well;
- improves immunity;
- heals the plant;
- increases oxygen supply;
- has a great effect on flowering;
- disinfects.
Peroxide can be used for:
- orchid disinfection;
- treatment of infections;
- insect pest control treatments.
You may be interested in:It's commonly believed that fertilizer is made by diluting 3% hydrogen peroxide from a pharmacy at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. However, this would yield water containing 0.1% peroxide. This solution won't have much effect on plants.
Using hydrogen peroxide for orchids
The required concentration is 3%. You can use 50 ml spray bottles – this will simplify the procedure and prevent wastage. Spray the entire plant area.
Before the procedure, make sure the plant is free of dust and dirt. It's important to treat every area of the orchid.
The weather during spraying should be slightly overcast but warm. Spray in the morning or evening at temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. After spraying, be sure to check for any remaining moisture and then dry the plant with a napkin.
How to treat seeds before sowing:
- Spray the seeds with a 3% peroxide solution, or soak them in peroxide for 10 minutes.
- Then, draw the seeds together with the hydrogen peroxide solution into a syringe or bottle and then introduce it into the soil.
You may be interested in:The main goal is to sterilize the surface of the seeds for germination. Many orchid growers believe that this treatment increases seed germination.
Many people use a product to stimulate flowering, but hydrogen peroxide doesn't have this effect. Its main property is antiseptic.
Undiluted peroxide can be used if the concentration is 3%. However, if 98% concentrate is used, the peroxide content must be increased to 3%, otherwise the plant may be damaged.
Orchid peroxide can also be used for cuttings. If you've pruned the orchid, or accidentally damaged the roots while repotting, treat the affected area with a 3% solution. Gently dab the damaged area with a cotton swab. This treatment will ensure the flower is free of infection.
If you spray and water your orchid with a 3% solution once every 1-2 weeks, you can't overdose. More frequent use can damage the plant by creating excessive sterility. If the plant becomes accustomed to it, it will quickly "relax" and its resistance to disease will decrease. Sooner or later, such a plant will become ill. Watering your orchid with the solution is not recommended; spraying is recommended.
After watering with peroxide, you can observe an effect very similar to that of rainwater. Plants revive and bloom better. However, this product is not a fertilizer, as it does not contain substances such as nitrogen, potassium, and so on.
Expert opinions and orchid growers' reviews
You may be interested in:Experts believe that oxide is an ideal disinfectant. It can be used to treat pots and garden tools, as well as cuts and wounds on orchids. It can also sometimes be used to disinfect the plant for the same purpose. However, don't expect miracles from this solution—it's no substitute for proper care and fertilizing.
People who use hydrogen peroxide to care for orchids leave reviews:
Agatha, 22 years old.
I tried using hydrogen peroxide on orchids for a while. I bought it at the pharmacy, diluted it with water, and sprayed it on. I didn't notice any effect. Now I only use it for cuttings, when I separate offshoots or damage roots. It disinfects well, but watering orchids is pointless.
Bella, 32 years old.
I once noticed a strange spot on a leaf, resembling cotton wool or mold. I treated it with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide and sprayed the orchid lightly. The spot began to disappear within a few days. The Phalaenopsis is blooming and happy; orchids and hydrogen peroxide are compatible.
Hydrogen peroxide is a convenient, inexpensive care product that will definitely help if used correctly.
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