Fluffy mould?

[Xylem]

Hi everyone.

I use small wooden steaks in the media to determine how moist the media is. In all of my orchids (Phal, Den. nobile, Onc. sharry baby) the steak has some small white fluffy mould on it. similar to when strawberries go off.

Is this an issue to the health of the orchid at all?

[Ray]

Any time you let the stake stay wet, it’s going to get moldy. Instead of leaving them in place, consider inserting them, waiting 30 minutes or so, then removing and checking the moisture level, before putting them away until your next check.

[Xylem]

Originally Posted by Ray

Any time you let the stake stay wet, it’s going to get moldy. Instead of leaving them in place, consider inserting them, waiting 30 minutes or so, then removing and checking the moisture level, before putting them away until your next check.

Ah perfect, didn't think of that. Thank you!

[Roberta]

Another approach for determining when to water... water well, let pot drain, then weigh on a kitchen scale or postal scale. Weigh again the next day. When the rate of weight loss decreases (not much more moisture to lose) it's time to water. After a few times through the cycle you will get a feel for how fast the plants dry in your environment.