Prevent diseases with bactericides and fungicides

[withoutid]

Can anybody share with me how do you use bactericide/fungicide to prevent diseases on your orchids: name, dose etc.? I have some catts, phals and one ren. Thank you.

[WhiteRabbit]

[Orchid Whisperer]

I recommend that you use such products to treat problems when they occur, rather than as a preventative. You could end up with treatment-resistant fungi and bacteria. This effect is similar to what has happened with drug-resistant bacteria in humans, responding to over-use of certain drugs.

To prevent disease, use the best culture you can for the orchids that you have. If you do end up with a fungal disease, Bayer makes a 3-in-1 product that includes a fungicide safe for orchids (also contains a miticide and insecticide). There are probably fungicide-only products as well. Physan 20 is a widely-used bactericide (though I don't have this product). Use to treat problems when they occur, only as directed on the product label.

[kindrag23]

Bayer 3 in 1 work really well have use it all summer long to fight off grasshoppers to keep them from killing my plants.

[withoutid]

Thank you all. I actually did some research before asking this question. I did found this link from the forum ( Orchid Diseases ) and also learnt that adding calcium during the growing season will help prevent fungi infection (thanks to Tucker85). However, I am not quite satisfied with such information so I ask OB people how they prevent their orchids from diseases.
@Orchid Whisperer: I 'm very well aware that pathogens in human can become resistant to drugs but never thought that the same thing happens in plants. Good to know

[tucker85]

In the book "Culture of the Palaenopsis Orchid" by Bob Gordon, he recommends using Physan 20 once a month. Norman's Orchids also recommends using Physan 20 at a rate of 1 teaspoon per gallon, once a month. Personally I don't treat orchids for disease unless I see a problem. I try to check my plants carefully once every month or two, especially underneath the leaves where critters like to hide. Generally speaking, if you have a lot of problems with disease, it's usually because poor culture techniques have weakened the plant. Also, like you mentioned, I've had much less fungal problems since I started giving my plants more calcium during the growing season.

[kindrag23]

So @Tucker85 its not just catts and their hybrids that like extra calcium...good info!

[euplusia]

A clean growing area, fresh air, light including UV, good potting medium and a fertilizer with micronutrients, Ca and Mg are the best prevention.

[kindrag23]

lusia;612748]A clean growing area, fresh air, light including UV, good potting medium and a fertilizer with micronutrients, Ca and Mg are the best prevention.[/QUOTE]

I just started to use magIcal(?) By TEchnaflora for about a week now. My schomburgkia and bulbos are already showing signs of perking up. I also use better gro orchid food weekly weakly basis. As well

---------- Post added at 08:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:42 AM ----------

Oh and physan is STRONG STUFF it will take your breath away. Whew

[Orchid Whisperer]

My Ca and Mg supplements are different (gypsum and Epsom salts) but the results are the same. Yes, regular use does seem to help with warding off disease.

We had a huge amount of rain this summer. Double our usual rainfall, my plants (outdoors for the growing season) were so wet I hardly had a chance to water with any fertilizer, but when I did, I added Ca and Mg. I had mold and mushrooms growing in the potting medium due to the excess water, but no fungal or bacterial diseases. I never lost a plant.