terms - brown listerine & terminal spike

[ladyslipper]

would someone clarify what the brown listernine is used for specifically? is it fungicide?

what is a terminal spike and why does it happen? i dont think I have ever seen one..

regards mary

[Ray]

I suppose the recommendation is to use Listerine as a general-purpose disinfectant. While it is certainly readily available, in the long run the cost is higher than something more-effective like Physan.

A terminal spike is one that emanates from the growth terminus of the plant. All reed-stem epidendrums have terminal spikes, for example. Occasionally - and for no known reason - one will grow from there on a phalaenopsis, rather than from the base or side. When that happens, that particular plant is a goner, but will likely form a basal growth to carry on.

[cb977]

Brown Listerine is the original Listerine, not the minty flavored stuff. I use it all the time...and I buy the store-brand. No need to spend money on the name brand of Listerine.

Our friend Ray explained the terminal spike

[quiltergal]

Just for added clarification terminal means that cane won't grow anymore, nor will it bloom again. For plants like Dendros and Epis it's not big deal. That's the way they grow. They just send up a new growth. For a Phal it's the kiss of death. It won't grow anymore leaves. I'm not sure if it will bloom again or not since Phal spikes develop from the base of the plant. Anyone know for sure?

[reinbo15]

Does anyone know WHY a phal might send up a terminal growth?

[ladyslipper]

Originally Posted by cb977

Brown Listerine is the original Listerine, not the minty flavored stuff. I use it all the time...and I buy the store-brand. No need to spend money on the name brand of Listerine.

Our friend Ray explained the terminal spike

Hi cb, so I think it was Ray who said to use it as a sterilizer. If I wanted to use brown listerine, would I swish it around a new pot to sterlize it or put cutting tools in the liquid to clean them?

regards, mary

[Ray]

Warning! Warning! Picky So-and-So Alert!

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Just for added clarification terminal means that cane won't grow anymore, nor will it bloom again.

Not really.... Technically, "terminal" simply means the positional "end" of the growth front, and does not refer in the least as to whether or not the plant will grow more or rebloom.

Years ago, I would have agreed with the original comment fully, but I've run across SO many exceptions to almost every "rule" I learned about orchids and orchid growing that I just can't any more.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by ladyslipper

Hi cb, so I think it was Ray who said to use it as a sterilizer. If I wanted to use brown listerine, would I swish it around a new pot to sterlize it or put cutting tools in the liquid to clean them?

regards, mary

Got this from GardenWeb, there are many items on the internet if you do a search for Listerine and Orchids:

What is Listerine used for and how do I use it? - Orchids

I don't like using chemicals so I'm always looking for home-remedy types of help.

[ladyslipper]

thanks susanne, i didn't think to go to that website.

m

[Ross]

Originally Posted by reinbo15

Does anyone know WHY a phal might send up a terminal growth?

As for Phals, there are mostly issues with damage to the growing site. Usually a terminal spike on a Phal means a Keiki is sure to follow (if not, then death is the result). I've had a few that had some sort of terminal damage like start of rot, insect damage, etc.