Orchid Winter in Florida -- Mold/Fungus!? - Orchid Board

paphlovian · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 01:48 PM

Hello!

I am going through my first Florida "winter" since my orchid addiction started. I have brought my orchids in the house several times when it has gotten cold enough, but, I am trying to keep them outside best I can so they can get air circulation and sunlight. THE PROBLEM I've been encountering is a mold and/or fungus growing on the bottom of the clay pots and which I can see the same fluff in the bottom holes. (It smells like a mushroom). Also, some of the potting medium has areas of white on the top... it could be a build up of elements from the water, or possibly mold? I just don't know what I can do to "treat" this or stop this. Vinegar and baking soda? I don't want to kill my orchids and the potting medium has already been changed months ago (it's not yet time again). I'm trying to not overwater. I'm often not home until it's almost dark, so have been unfortunately watering a bit late than would be desirable. I know that's not good. If this mold growth continues, it might become a huge problem, right?

I wish I could include photos, but am still without the proper equipment to upload them! Sorry, I know how useful photos are!!!

Thanks for all your input!!! :-)

cb977 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 01:58 PM

With "snow mold" growing, you might have to repot even though it was done just a few months ago. I'm not sure how else you would get rid of it. I would rinse the roots, spray them with Listerine (not the minty stuff...don't know why

), rinse again and then put in the new mix.

This is one of the many reasons I love having the majority of the 'chids in aliflor instead of bark or any other mix. It doesn't break down and I have never had any problems other than the occasional algae which has proven to not be a problem here.

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 01:58 PM

I don't think this is anything to lose sleep over! If it bothers you, spray pots and medium with Physan 20 solution. That will end the mold. It's just something that "comes with the territory" so to speak. I get it all the time and when I get around to it, I spray. Physan 20 will treat mold and algae, NOT rot.

Jo Ann · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 02:19 PM

That’s one thing about Florida mold is every where….I like to use clay pots and its always growing on the outside of them…every so often I go wipe them off then it builds up again...

cb977 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jo Ann

That’s one thing about Florida mold is every where….I like to use clay pots and its always growing on the outside of them…every so often I go wipe them off then it builds up again...

Hi Joann

Are you getting algae on the pots or white mold? My clay pots get algae on the outsides and I don't worry about that but I think snow mold in the pot is what Angela is talking about.

Maybe Ross's suggestion of Physan 20 will help the snow mold and repotting won't be necessary.

That being said...if they were mine, I'd be putting them in a new mix after cleaning the roots very well.

We all do things differently...you have to do what you're comfortable with.

Jo Ann · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb977

Hi Joann

Are you getting algae on the pots or white mold? My clay pots get algae on the outsides and I don't worry about that but I think snow mold in the pot is what Angela is talking about.

Maybe Ross's suggestion of Physan 20 will help the snow mold and repotting won't be necessary.

That being said...if they were mine, I'd be putting them in a new mix after cleaning the roots very well.

We all do things differently...you have to do what you're comfortable with.

No I've never seen the snow mold just the algae one... Actually I had this mini rose that was always being attacked by a powdery white mildew...could it be the same?

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 03:33 PM

No - mildew is different and very hard to control. Powdery mildew is somewhat controlled by use of baking soda in water with a bit of soap as sticker (concentration not too important, just get a bunch in there) or another over-the-counter spray is Schultz Garden Safe Fungicide. I've also heard Neem oil will control it as well. If you let the mildew get going good, it's nearly imposssible to control. You'll probably never eradicate, just control. Hope this helps.