Sterilizing soil using Hydrogen Peroxide

[Shibui]

I think there is some misunderstanding of the term 'sterile' in this thread.
Air, water and most other substances all contain many spores and micro-organisms and as @Wires_Guy_wires pointed out even effectively sterile media is quickly contaminated when exposed to air or water so very little materials we have access to is sterile and the more sterile the substance the more likely pathogens can invade and build up numbers.
For plant purposes we just need to get rid of the worst pathogens that might affect the plants, seeds or cuttings we are trying to grow. Pasteurization gets rid of enough pathogens to be an effective solution. The results are not 'sterile' just 'sanitized'. The dry and wet cycles mentioned are another way to reduce the numbers of pests and diseases and make the media safer for use. It won't sterilize the media but will make it safer for the plants you intend to grow.

 

[Potawatomi13]

rapidly destroy fungus spores

Including micowhich is needed by many plants other than conifers

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

For plant purposes we just need to get rid of the worst pathogens that might affect the plants, seeds or cuttings we are trying to grow.

That was well said!

Best
DSD sends

 

[0soyoung]

I've mentioned before that I spray a solution of 300 to 1000 ppm peroxide (by diluting 3% peroxide from the pharmacy/grocery) every few days to maintain humidity in the rooting 'terrarium' and nix pathogens that might show up. This also works well, IMHO, to prevent loosing new seedlings to those thingies that cause 'damping off'.

Including micowhich is needed by many plants other than conifers

Maybe, but they will undoubtedly be back soon (spores wafting in the next breeze).

 

[penumbra]

I've mentioned before that I spray a solution of 300 to 1000 ppm peroxide (by diluting 3% peroxide from the pharmacy/grocery) every few days to maintain humidity in the rooting 'terrarium' and nix pathogens that might show up. This also works well, IMHO, to prevent loosing new seedlings to those thingies that cause 'damping off'.

I also do this and have been doing it for several years.

 

[A. Gorilla]

Radiation. Cobalt-60 lol

Seriously, how long do you think it would stay sterile?

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Today I used diluted peroxide to sterilize re-used soil and plant a Taxodium seedling, wish me luck xD

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Radiation. Cobalt-60 lol

Seriously, how long do you think it would stay sterile?

See @Shibui response above.
Cheers
DSD sends

 

[A. Gorilla]

See @Shibui response above.
Cheers
DSD sends

Shibui has no credibility.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Shibui has no credibility.

I'm not even gonna go there...

Happy Thanksgiving!
DSD sends

 

[fredman]

Shibui has no credibility.

I'm not even gonna go there...

Happy Thanksgiving!
DSD sends

I'll go there. Don't know you @A. Gorilla ...haven't seen enough of you around here, but be sure, i'll take Shibui's advice over you each and every time.
Plz, just stay out my thread...best is to fit your mask...and move on that way

 

[River's Edge]

So why not join the fray, I can only speak form my experience but azalea cuttings I do know about. I have had no difficulties using the following approach. Sift all components used for cuttings to the same size, rinse thoroughly to remove all dust. Dry in the sun and store foe later use or re-use. Water with dilute hydrogen peroxide while waiting for rooting to occur. Sift, Rinse, dry and repeat if wishing to re use.
I use 30 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide per litre/ 2 tablespoons per quart for watering and or misting seedlings, cuttings and the surfaces within the propagation unit to control fungus, algae and other nasty things that may interfere with healthy development. Air exchange is important if keeping enclosed.
I use a combination of small akadama, pumice and lava for cuttings. You can always use straight coarse sand sold for children's play boxes. they advertise it as sterilized, but I would rinse thoroughly for dust free use and then dry before using.

 

[A. Gorilla]

Boomers are bad at taking jokes.

 

[A. Gorilla]

@penumbra

Don't feign surprise.

 

[leatherback]

Boomers are bad at taking jokes.

Monkeys are bad at humor.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

 

[A. Gorilla]

Monkeys are bad at humor.

Great ape, bro.

 

[A. Gorilla]

View attachment 409514

You forgot X humor. I dont have an example, other than something resembling chronic disgust and ironic detachment.

 

[fredman]

I've been with gorillas. They don't monkey around like our resident one. Time for me to move on.

 

[A. Gorilla]

"Been with."