Where to buy Physan20 in UK or alternative product

[LuizaG]

Hi everyone

I have a Phal that has been in recovery for a while now, I changed it to S/H last November and since April this year has been growing like crazy. About 8 - 9 new roots, one new leaf and now I just noticed another 3 new roots and another new leaf starting. All very nice and finally feels like it was worth not to give up on it.

But another problem has come up: I have algae in the pot that has spread everywhere, possibly suffocating all those lovely new roots. It is time to repot again to get rid of algae and also the roots have started growing down where the water reservoir is.

The roots have pellets with algae stuck to them that I will not be able to remove without damaging the roots and if the algae is not killed (without killing the roots too) it will not be long until the new poting medium will be filled again.

How do I kill the algae but not the roots? I couldn't manage find Physan20 anywhere in UK. Does anybody know somewhere to get it from in uk? Is there anything else I can use?

Many thanks
Luiza

[fotofashion]

Seems like I read within the last year or two that the "powers that be" decided that Physan 20 would no longer be sold in the UK. Too bad because it is a good product.
Beverly A.

[Bud]

no worries...you can repot into fresh media and use an old soft toothbrush and listerine(the original green bottle) clean the roots gently and run water through it after...
flush every 15 days with running water
algae is not a threat to orchids as long as it is not an irritation that really bothers you.

[LuizaG]

Indeed I do remember at one point I managed to find Physan on a uk website but it has totally disappeared. I guess it's right that they no longer approve of it here. Shame!


What about using Corsodyl (chlorhexidine gluconate) antiseptic mouthwash instead of Listerine as I have none? It has no alcohol in it.

[Bud]

alcohol is not bad for plants they just evaporate...I think you can use that mouthwash too...I tend to use homme remedy rather than chemicals...I have physan 20 but I use it as big guns to combat fungi...try Ebay, they mail physan to UK from USA

[LuizaG]

Thank you! I think in this case I'll try the toothbrush and mouthwash. After all Chlorhexidine gluconate is used to irrigate the canals in root canal treatment so it should be gentle but effective enough for my phal's roots.

How about 2% solution of Sodium Hydrochloride (bleach) ?

[Bud]

sodium hydrochloride bleach is only 2% ...and the bleach turns into salt but since its just minute you can flush it with water...

[LuizaG]

Sorry, I meant to dilute the bleach in water - 2% bleach & 98% water.