can SB Plant Invigorator be used as a soak?...

[JonNo]

Quick question if I may please.

I know SB Plant Invigorator is intended to be used as a spray, but can it also be used as a soak, i.e. poured in liquid form onto the compost?

I have an idea that some Mealys are using the top dressing on my pots to "hide" and also getting themselves just under the "edge" of plants, thus avoiding spray application...

Any ideas/ opinions please?

[juster]

As you say, it's generally for use as a spray, but I can see that it might work as a soak in the situation you describe. I think I would just try more intensive and targeted spraying at the bottom of the plant.

[JonNo]

As you say, it's generally for use as a spray, but I can see that it might work as a soak in the situation you describe. I think I would just try more intensive and targeted spraying at the bottom of the plant.

I've been trying as you suggest but so far apparently failing..! I realise using it as a soak may not work but I just thought I might give it a go - but then wondered if there might be any possible adverse effects?

[Chris L]

As you say, it's generally for use as a spray, but I can see that it might work as a soak in the situation you describe. I think I would just try more intensive and targeted spraying at the bottom of the plant.

I've been trying as you suggest but so far apparently failing..! I realise using it as a soak may not work but I just thought I might give it a go - but then wondered if there might be any possible adverse effects?

I've sent a PM. You'll understand the problem better after seeing it I think.

If you've only a few plants maybe take the gravel off and soak it in meths and give the plants a squirt with SB.

[Terry S.]

I once came home with some ISI epiphytic cactus cuttings that were full of mealy, that I thought should be rescued from a deceased friend's collection. I soaked them for about two days in SB solution at standard dilution and ended up killing some and damaging others. So beware long-term exposure to SB solution.

[JonNo]

I once came home with some ISI epiphytic cactus cuttings that were full of mealy, that I thought should be rescued from a deceased friend's collection. I soaked them for about two days in SB solution at standard dilution and ended up killing some and damaging others. So beware long-term exposure to SB solution.

Thank you Terry. That's the kind of experience I need to know about...

[JonNo]

As you say, it's generally for use as a spray, but I can see that it might work as a soak in the situation you describe. I think I would just try more intensive and targeted spraying at the bottom of the plant.

I've been trying as you suggest but so far apparently failing..! I realise using it as a soak may not work but I just thought I might give it a go - but then wondered if there might be any possible adverse effects?

I've sent a PM. You'll understand the problem better after seeing it I think.

If you've only a few plants maybe take the gravel off and soak it in meths and give the plants a squirt with SB.

Many thanks Chris, I appreciate the time and effort you've taken! I'll PM back...

[iann]

Its basically a very light oil. Light enough that it generally won't damage green foliage but will still smother any pests. There is no systemic action, through the roots or any other way, and I wouldn't want to soak the rootball in enough oil to make any difference to the pests. You might try going bare root and then spraying the roots. Otherwise, soaking in soapy water will knock down most of the pests, but probably not eradicate them. You can repeat. A systemic insecticide is your best bet against root mealies if you don't want to wash all the roots. Unfortunately, there's only one still left for sale in the UK so if your mealies are resistant to that one then you're out of luck.

[MatDz]

[...] A systemic insecticide is your best bet against root mealies if you don't want to wash all the roots. Unfortunately, there's only one still left for sale in the UK so if your mealies are resistant to that one then you're out of luck.

Is that the (now replaced by #2?) Bug Clear Ultra?

[JonNo]

Its basically a very light oil. Light enough that it generally won't damage green foliage but will still smother any pests. There is no systemic action, through the roots or any other way, and I wouldn't want to soak the rootball in enough oil to make any difference to the pests. You might try going bare root and then spraying the roots. Otherwise, soaking in soapy water will knock down most of the pests, but probably not eradicate them. You can repeat. A systemic insecticide is your best bet against root mealies if you don't want to wash all the roots. Unfortunately, there's only one still left for sale in the UK so if your mealies are resistant to that one then you're out of luck.

Thanks iann, all noted. General concensus seems to be not to use it as a soak, so I'll abandon that idea. I have in fact started removing plants from pots, soaking root ball in warm soapy water and removing most compost, rinsing and then leaving to dry, then spraying all over including roots with SB, then re-potting in a fresh pot with new compost... Trouble is I can only do it one at a time and, as I have very little room to put things, chances are pots I've done are being re-infected while my back is turned! I'm already using Bug Clear Ultra too so next thing to consider is meths - or just putting the lot in the bin and starting over!

Thanks for the help.