New Dendrobium - Mold on Bark

[akorchid]

Hello. I have a fine white hairy mold growing on the bark of my dendrobium. A few told me to repot, but I've heard you shouldn't when the plant is still flowering. The plant is obviously okay, as a new shoot is growing taller each day. But, I'm afraid the mold will give growth to pests or damage the plant. Should I repot, or is it safe to wait it out?
If I do repot, I'm not sure which type of mix to use. Is Miracle grow orchid mix alright? Do I need something specific like volcanic rock, perlite, fir bark? I'm not sure where to get these things locally, so some specifics about repotting would help before I start searching every store in town.

[Singingirl96]

I would wait until it ends blooming. Do you have a picture... that would make it easier for us to help you. Miracle grow orchid mix would probably be ok. I like to use anything that has charcoal, perlite, bark and coconut husks. Make sure you soak it first to remove salts.

[akorchid]

I only had a bloom or two left and a new bud shoot. I replanted it using some rocks on the bottom of the perforated orchid pot with black gold medium orchid bark. The buds don't seem to be especially stressed. They were dropping anyway.

[CodiMN]

Maybe I'm tired, but did you say the mold was growing on the bark the 'chid was potted in? Or was the mold growing up onto the cane and/or roots? (Sorry, I'm tired, and just want to make sure you're gonna be ok)

[Ray]

1) Let it try out between waterings. Mold grows on decomposing organic matter.

2) Consider spraying the surface with a cinnamon-water (or alcohol) extract (see my First Rays' Home Remedies page) to kill the mold.

3) What potting medium to use depends a lot on your conditions, so if you can share those, it makes it a lot easier to relate them to our own experience and make recommendations.

[akorchid]

The mold was only on the bark, except there were some weird black spots at the base and underside of the leavees. I sprinkled cinnamon on the bark and rubbed each leaf individually with cinnamon water. I got frustrated that some of the mold returned, so I completely repotted the plant. I thought the plant would die within a few days from the shock, but I've learned my lesson. Orchids are resilient. The new bud is 4 inches tall now (and opening) and there is another new bud two inches tall opening at the base. There are no signs of mold and the plant is much healthier. Thanks for all your help guys.