Green stuff growing inside of s/h pot?

[Jadeco]

Is this okay? Do I need to clean it out?

Sorry, it's kind of hard to see because my camera isn't great. I think you get the idea, though.

[bellini girl]

Just algae my friend. won't harm the 'chids, but if you find it unsightly, flush out with an application of Physan

[dave b]

I have found my orchids grew really well in s/h when the algae was established, especially Phrags.

[Zoi2]

My catts seem to like the algae in s/h too.
Joann

[Ray]

Any time you have water, light and nutrition, you will have algae. Algae doesn't add to the culture, but its presence says that you're keeping the pots adequately watered and fed. By the same token, it's doesn't negatively affect it either - it's just an aesthetic issue.

Once it's there, you cannot remove it in place. Trying to do so via Physan will kill the stuff, leaving a mass of decomposing vegetation in the pot. The best thing to do - if you have to get rid of it - is to repot then put the old pot in the dishwasher.

If you really don't like the looks of it, a preventive treatment of Physan (1 tsp/gal) or bleach (1 oz/gal) about every 4- to 6 weeks will keep it at bay.

[Jadeco]

Hey guys, thanks for all the comments. The phal is pretty happy as you can see from the two spikes growing =) It is the first time I'm going to see this orchid bloom, so I'm excited

[Matt]

I noticed today that i also have algae! I guess I'm in the big leagues now!!

[Jadeco]

Originally Posted by Matt

I noticed today that i also have algae! I guess I'm in the big leagues now!!

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