SOAPS: A Detergent as a Pest Control

Ailments Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin over 7 years ago.

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For scale on a small number of plants soapy water and a toothbrush can be used effectively for spider mites; a soapy spray will control them for a while but will not eradicate them. A83-600
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Soaps Comments
SOAPS: As Insecticides Detergents are as good as soaps; liquid soap is as good as dissolved chips from bar soaps, any popular brand of soap is as good (almost) as a commercial soap insecticide but they must be used with caution because a 2 percent solution can damage a wide range of (non-orchid) plants; a 1.5 percent (1.6 to 2,4 fluid oz. of soap per gallon) is effective; with forced spray a much milder solution is O.K. Wayne S. Moore; RMHThey are fatty acid salts and provide action against bacteria, fungi and organisms; some are toxic to certain insects and mites and others affect algae, lichens, liverworts. Ca81(4)-43 0
SOAPS: As Pesticides When fertilizing, for every 10 tablespoons of dry fertilizer one tablespoon of a biodegradable soap product is added to the proportioner solution and this prevents fungi and algae growth throughout and keeps plants spotless. A84-697 0

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  2. katherine mott asked question shorter stem with less vigorous blooms in category Phalaenopsis
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New Comments

  1. Carol Holdren commented on topic "recently purchased orchid shows unstoppable roots " by David George
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  3. Carol Holdren commented on topic "shorter stem with less vigorous blooms" by katherine mott
  4. Carol Holdren commented on topic "need info on yellow bird" by Glenda Ratliff
  5. Carol Holdren commented on topic "Looking to join an orchid club." by Paula Milano
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