Sulfer as a Fungicide

[douglas]

I have purchased a fungicide spray from a local garden center which is a "Safer" brand product for organic gardening and whose active ingredient is Sulfer at 0.40%. As I understand it, Sufler works best if used to "prevent" the start of fungus when applied on a regular basis. It supposedly keeps the Fungus from multiplying but will not kill that which has already taken hold. I keep my apartment very humid and have trouble with crown rot developing over time, and some leaves also suffer. Does anyone know if Sulfer is OK to use on Orchids?

[Dail]

Douglas:

The literature I read suggests extensive use of sulphur by orchid growers. When necessary, sulphur is used to inhibit the growth of fungus and hasten the healing process, especially on cuts, splits.

Where the fungus already exists, I would search the shelves for a fungicide with benomyl, again as recommended by the literature. Usually too, the literature recommends decreasing humidity once fungal growth is detected.

Perhaps you need to avoid leaving water in the crown of your plants. Are you watering early in the day or late in the evenings? Is the fungicide you are using systemic? I would not be familiar with the brands on your market.The only "Safer" product I recall purchasing was for the treatment of white flies on my acalypha.

Good luck with the management of the problem.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks, Dail, for the great answer. Very informative.

Cheers,
BD

[Dail]

Coming from such an expert, my head is swelling. Thanks, Bruce.

[Lizgeo]

I am searching for a fungicide too. Houston has been so humid (80%+) lately, a lot catts are having black rot problem. I had to cut down one of my favorite (Bl Richard Mueller x L. aurea) from full 6" pot to only 4 pbulbs division, and still not sure if they would survive. It's so sad.
If you know a brand that works well, please PM me. Thanks!

[douglas]

Someday I may purchase a systemic fungicide with benomyl as you suggest. I won't lower the humidity in my home because I need it for myself as much as for my orchids, but for the time being I think I am getting the crown rot and root rot under control. I never mist my phals anymore above the roots and therefor never deal with water collecting in the crown. I treat fungally damaged plants by soaking them for 15 minutes in a slightly diluted hydrogen peroxide solution after cleaning the roots and before re-potting. And once I get my worm compost system set up in my house (hasn't arrived yet) I will be fertilizing every other week with the worm tea dilution, both the roots and the crown. Worm tea is said to be very effective at preventing new fungus growth and reinforcing a plant's internal defense system.
Until then I guess I can go ahead and use the Safer brand sulfer spray, since you say it is effective and safe for the orchids. I'm leaning toward avoiding the systemic fungicide for now, what do you think?

[douglas]

but it sounds as though Lizgeo may want a systemic fungicide ASAP!

[Lizgeo]

but it sounds as though Lizgeo may want a systemic fungicide ASAP!

Yes, I do. I just read the weather channel, humidity is 99%.