Available since the 1800s, hydrogen peroxide (hp) is a common household product made up of two hydrogen and two oxygen atoms. It has many uses because it is anti-bacterial as well as anti-fungal. While toxic in large doses, it is considered safe for use in the air, water or soil in moderate applications, making it a terrific gardening aid to get rid of unwanted mold and mildew bothering your plants.
What It Is
While its gaseous form occurs naturally in the air in small amounts, hydrogen peroxide in liquid form is a manufactured chemical resembling water at room temperature. Bitter-tasting with a sharp odor, it is often used medicinally to clean wounds or skin lesions. In higher concentrations, it is used commercially for bleaching cloth and paper.
What It Does
For household applications, hydrogen peroxide is typically used as a disinfectant. It is able to kill various forms of bacteria, mold and mildew. It can be used for cleaning cuts and scrapes, wiping down household surfaces, washing vegetables, and even rinsing out your mouth. When it comes into contact with a surface, it oxidizes; this causes the bubbling effect that many people associate with the product.
How It Works
Hydrogen peroxide (hp) can kill molds such as powdery mildew caused by any number of fungi. It also attacks the black, sooty mold caused by aphids. When applied to the plant, the chemical's two oxygen atoms attach to the fungus and oxidize or burn it. While stronger concentrations can be purchased at garden centers containing 10 to 27 percent hp mixed with other ingredients, the household bottle containing 3 to 9 percent is adequate to kill various types of plant fungus without leaving any damaging residue. Additionally, higher concentrations (27 to 35 percent) can cause acid-like burns or other life-threatening injuries, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
How To Use It
Mix 1 pint of water with 4 to 5 tablespoons of household hydrogen peroxide (3 to 9 percent strength) in a spray bottle. Shake to mix thoroughly, and spray it on the affected plant daily. Once the fungus disappears, you may continue to spray the plant daily to avoid its return.
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