Mold on Roots

[Chlorophile]

I planted my D. Microchip into S/H about a week ago and so far it looks ok. Today I noticed that the roots that are above the media have fuzzy mold growing on them. I've never seen this happen in any of my other s/h plants. What should I do?

[MT-Phal]

The roots ABOVE the media have mold?? I think you need to improve air circulation in your growing area and buy other plants (or an air purifier) that will clean the air as well. It sounds like the air is dirty and the bacteria is being attracted to the moist roots and having a party. Better circulation and cleaner air should help.

SH never worked for me b/c I always had mold grow on the (new) roots within the medium which would kill them off.

[Ray]

When you move a plant into S/H, you should expect the existing roots to die and rot. They are not optimal for the new environments so will need to be replaced.

That's why it is ALWAYS best to move a plant just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant; as they grow, those new roots will tailor themselves to the environment, and the plants will be fine.

[KC Kam]

Originally Posted by Ray

When you move a plant into S/H, you should expect the existing roots to die and rot. They are not optimal for the new environments so will need to be replaced.

That's why it is ALWAYS best to move a plant just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant; as they grow, those new roots will tailor themselves to the environment, and the plants will be fine.

Hi Ray, does it mean we have to cut all old roots? or make sure those old roots is above the water pool?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by KC Kam

Hi Ray, does it mean we have to cut all old roots? or make sure those old roots is above the water pool?

Yes, the roots must be above the level of the reservoir. Pot the plant with them submerged in the liquid, and they will suffocate (drown) in very short order. That does not mean you must cut them, just use a bigger pot.

By the way, pretty much every plant successfully grown in semi-hydroponics will grow its roots down into the reservoir, and they'll be fine. Further evidence of the "tailoring" to be optimal in the environment they're in.

[KC Kam]

Sorry Chlorophile,

I didnt meant to hijack your post. Apologies.