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Virus? Hope not.

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by KellyW, Jun 10, 2013.

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  1. Jul 7, 2013 #21
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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  2. Jul 7, 2013 #22
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    If you leave them overnight in it, that should work. But dipping them in it between plants or an hour or 2 later is not going to do the trick. Using a propane torch on the shears or using single edge razor blades is a much better way.
     
  3. Jul 7, 2013 #23
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thank you, Marni.
     
  4. Jul 14, 2013 #24
    nighthawk

    nighthawk Member

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    Greetings, I hope it's OK to ask a quick question during this thread. I was looking through the forum topics, to try to track down info on some leaf spotting I'm having (not similar to what you're seeing, Kelly.) But, since the issue of sterilizing tools has come up, I have a quick question. I never see a recommendation to just dip tools in alcohol between plants. I see suggestions to use dilute Clorox and other solutions, but not good old rubbing alcohol. Any reason not to use that? Also, would a quick flaming work, too? Thanks for clearing up this question. I've been wondering about this for a while. I hope you can solve the mystery of your spotted leaves, Kelly.
     
  5. Jul 14, 2013 #25
    nighthawk

    nighthawk Member

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    Oh, I see your comment about torching the tools, Marni. That makes sense and seems pretty simple. Wondering about the alcohol, though.
     
  6. Jul 15, 2013 #26
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I don't think alcohol is enough. Even under a laminar flow hood, it is recommend to dip tools in alcohol and then flame. And there are things that are not killed by alcohol. To soak pots, it is recommended to use a 10% concentration and leave for 24 hours. I don't think Physan with a quick dip is going to do it either. When you have cutting tools, there are always bits of debris/roots/bark that are left on the tools. When I use a torch on tools, I wait until I can see that everything other than the blade is gone. For most things I just use single edge razor blades. You can collect them and sterilize them at 350F in the oven for 1 hour. If you shop around, they can be gotten very cheaply.
     
  7. Jul 15, 2013 #27
    nighthawk

    nighthawk Member

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    Thanks for clearing that up, Marnie. Pretty shocking to consider how tough some of these microbes can be. Well, it's time to get out the flamethrower! LOL
     
  8. Jul 21, 2013 #28
    orcoholic

    orcoholic Member

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    It doesn't look like a virus to me either. My thoughts are something was damaged during division and those leaves will probably fall off and you'll not see a problem anymore.
    You can use the strips, but even if they read positive it doesn't mean that the spots are caused by the virus.
    Regarding dividing, my thought are it is always better to tear the divisions apart rather than cut. If you have to cut, a single edge blade is a favorite tool. Cheap and disposable.
     
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