Hi - newbie alert (!),

About 20 days ago I started trying to propogate my silver satin pothos. Until today, they'd been doing OK I think - the roots were growing longer but there was some blackness on the roots, I wasn't sure if it was the root itself which was black or some weird but harmless layer on top. Worrying that it was damaging my roots, I read a little about the role of h202 in helping boost plants and so thought I could use that.

I had a 6% h202 solution and believe I mixed c. 20ml (maximum) into a clean water bottle of c. 500-550 ml. I then poured that into my propogation glass and let the roots soak for 3 mins (timed). I then rinsed the roots and washed the h202 solution out and replaced the glass with normal tap water.

Unfortunately, I seem to have made the tips brown and I think added to the blackness. Have I made things worse or is the black on the roots harmless? I had another propogating stem which I've not changed so will be interesting to see the difference.

Many many thanks in advance!

From over a week ago - around the time I noticed the black on the roots.


What happened once I used the h202.



How it looks now

Using 1 drop of H2O2 in a jar of water actually helps cuttings grow roots because it adds oxygen to the water. But, H2O2 is a bleaching agent and will destroy healthy tissue. That's what you are seeing now.

The solution of hydrogen peroxide you were using is double the strength of peroxide here. I am not good with ml but I think you would use 10 ml into the 500 ml bottle. Once diluted the solution is only good for a day or so. I am not sure about what is wrong with your roots because I did not see a before picture. Even with the strength you used...you had a short soaking time, and then rinsed. I do not think the hydrogen peroxide harmed your cutting.

I do not want any surprises in my garden. When new iris and daylilies arrive in my garden, it is recommended to soak them in bleach water or hydrogen peroxide water. I choose hydrogen peroxide water over bleach water and sometimes they soak for a few hours. It has never hurt them...actually they really perk up.

Hydrogen peroxide is recommended for plants by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) here. It is also used by HYDROPONICS systems... 3% solution using dilution of 3ml to a liter or 2 to 3 teaspoons to a gallon of water. Note that the 3% solution has stabilizers...35% is better...but that has another set of rules. Bottom line is I think your cutting was not hurt by the hydrogen peroxide.

May joy follow you where ever you go!

@Altheabyanothername, Would you mind posting the EPA site and whatever other sources you have for your continued recommendations for the use of Hydrogen Peroxide on plants?

This one I included in a different thread...

https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

Here is just one of many.
https://www.greenandvibrant.co...

You can also google hydroponics hydrogen peroxide and read through all the different sites. Hydrogen peroxide is a normally used product in Hydroponics...sites may have preferences between 3% and 35% because of the stabilizers used in different peroxides...they usually acknowledge both are used. Best described as more like an "organic" issue.

Diluted it is definitely safe...cause the internet does not lie...

Many blessings for a wonderful month!

A lot of unsubstantiated statements. At least Green and Vibrant is honest:

"Green and Vibrant makes no representations, warranties, or assurances as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the content contain on this website or any sites linked to or from this site".

Well if you do not trust me would you trust this web site NGA...on your homepage search hydroden peroxide.

On February 22, 2016 DavidLMO wrote an article titled...starting seeds indoors under fluorescent lights...includes even another link for lots of useful info about hydrogen peroxide.

On October 18, 2013 Chalyse with other members on this site wrote an article titled...Potted Daylilies: trimming roots...they recommend soaking daylily roots with hydrogen peroxide water.

For general info...the 35% solution is food grade...I do not make this up. That is another indicator WHEN diluted with water...realize I said diluted... it is safe by EPA and FDA standards.

I have a huge garden and there is not much that has not been soaked coming in or going out.

May everyone be blessed with joy, peace and happiness!

I admit there are a lot of benefits to using Hydrogen Peroxide in the right situation and at the right strengths but, until you understand the harm the wrong mix can cause, the potential for chemical interactions you don't expect and the affects on living tissue, maybe you should leave it alone.

As to growing cuttings of pothos in a water solution, I have never had any problems just using plain water. Why risk using chemicals ? I'm sure hydrogen peroxide has its uses in gardening, but I prefer to use as few chemicals as possible. Please note I did not say no chemicals.

I had prior commitments...just getting back to this.
Here is an EPA link you wanted...there are more...again any one can google them. This just happens to be an EPA waiver from a chemical company I worked for.
Federal Register :: Hydrogen Peroxide; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance
https://www.federalregister.go...

From above article...
Hydrogen peroxide is currently registered by EPA for a wide variety of uses. These includes use as a water additive for control of spoilage microorganisms on raw and processed food commodities; use as an algaecide, fungicide and bactericide on growing crops and post harvest potatoes; use on agricultural premises and equipment, food handling/storage establishments premises and equipment; use on commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment; use on residential, public access premises, medical premises and equipment; use for materials preservation; and for industrial processes and water systems.

USDA allows it to be used in Organic Farming...
The list of organic pesticides approved by the USDA | AGDAILY
https://www.agdaily.com/techno...

You personally might not like it...but others might find it suits their needs. Gardeners should not be scared of using it...it has benefits. I think people can figure out how to mix it with water. It has so many benefits in hydroponic growing. People should not be scared to try it. The unique thing is that you said its a bleaching agent...true, but when added to chlorinated water, which is most peoples tap water...it helps eliminate the chlorine, which is not good for plants. So it takes the bleach out and ends up being oxygen.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide in your Hydroponic Garden - Step by Step Hydroponics
https://rgjhydroponics.weebly.....

As a southern gardener, it helps with rot and blight immensely. High temps and a lot of rain can be a disaster for plants.

May everyone be blessed with a wonderful garden.

Thanks for the links!

Sharon, you garden and your pics are beautiful, it's obviously working for you.