What to do - Green Moss on New Catt Bark?

[realoldbeachbum]

Green moss on the top layer of bark annoys me greatly. Many orchids purchased via mailorder seem to have a healthy blanket of it! I prefer to eradicate it BEFORE I place the new orchid near my collection. What would you orchid experts do IF you wanted to eradicate the moss? (Some online sources indicate that the moss is harmless and to let it be – but I just cannot do that.) Thanks so very much, ROBB

[jiblylegs]

I’m curious what particular concerns you might have, but I can’t imagine there is a safe way besides carefully peeling it away from the media. I would not use a chemical treatment if they exist. Moss, though quite different evolutionarily from vascular plants, are still plants and anything that kills moss probably has potential to harm the orchid just as much?

[estación seca]

Agree with above. I just ignore it. My growing area isn't humid enough for the moss to survive for very long, anyway.

[Roberta]

That plant looks like it needs repotting anyway, and with new roots, likely a good time. So after you get it out of the pot, just peel off the moss that comes off easily, rinse under running water which should remove most of the rest of it, and repot. Indoor winter humidity is likely to be low enough that regrowth isn't an issue. (If you have an issue.. I don't see what the problem is, orchids in nature are surrounded by moss because it's humid where they grow)

[rbarata]

[Roberta]

Now THAT is some really healthy-looking moss!

[Dalachin]

Personally I love moss, and it is an indication of the conditions it was previously kept in. When I repot new plants that have moss I often try to transplant some into the new pot. Doesn’t usually work… my house is not as tropical rainforest… but I’ve had more success since watering with reverse osmosis water and installing an auto mister.

I guess the converse of this would be true if you want to get rid of the moss… repot, water with tap, let it dry (at least the surface) between waterings. No moss will grow back in those conditions.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Now THAT is some really healthy-looking moss!

Indeed! It's growing profusely around my Sophronitis in a high humidity environment!

I also like moss...it's good to keep humidity in the medium.

[realoldbeachbum]

Originally Posted by jiblylegs

I’m curious what particular concerns you might have, but I can’t imagine there is a safe way besides carefully peeling it away from the media. I would not use a chemical treatment if they exist. Moss, though quite different evolutionarily from vascular plants, are still plants and anything that kills moss probably has potential to harm the orchid just as much?

J-legs - I like see nice clean bark at the base of the plants. Plus, I am concerned that there might be bugs, mites, etc hiding in it! Repotting it in new bark is my best option. I will not use chemicals. Thanks everyone for your advice.