algae questions

[VickiC]

Hi everyone,
I have already posted these questions in the Beginner Discussion forum by mistake, so this is a "re-type".

I was reading some older posts last night mainly hoping to run across some comments concerning algae growth and indeed found several including one from Ray that I have read before more than once, I believe on his site ?? I have a few orchids potted using S/H culture that have developed algae formation and I'm still a little confused as to what I should do about it if anything at this point ( attached). I have neglected/somewhat overlooked prevention so now I need your help, please. I have seen photos online of lots of S/H plants with good roots systems in algae, and I haven't really thought mine was anything to be concerned about especially since Ray said that removing the algae was basically for asthetic purposes (and I apologize to him if I am misquoting what he said). Anyway, I saw as I was browsing some plants (especially one) with algae growth in the bottom of the pot, and read a concern that the rather large accumulation may possibly be stopping up the drain holes. I've never thought about that, so my questions to you are: I understand that a prevention method at this point could be possibly more harmful than helpful, and that the best thing to do would be to unpot an algae plant, remove the algae, "disinfect" the PrimeAgra and repot (did I understand correctly?) I've never re-used PrimeAgra before, so this "disinfecting for re-use" procedure would be new to me.

One more question concerning prevention, how often do you suggest that I do drench my S/H plants, and which is best to use....bleach or Physan 20?

I would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions/advice, construcive criticism you may have.
Thank you in advance,
Vicki
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[VickiC]

Oops again...my photos didn't attach to my post. Also, I have already posted these questions in the Beginner Discussion forum by mistake, so this is a "re-type" (As Ray has said before....I am only on my 1st cup of coffee.) lol .

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi everyone,I was reading some older posts last night mainly hoping to run across some comments concerning algae growth and indeed found several including one from Ray that I have read before more than once, I believe on his site ?? I have a few orchids potted using S/H culture that have developed algae formation and I'm still a little confused as to what I should do about it if anything at this point ( attached). I have neglected/somewhat overlooked prevention so now I need your help, please. I have seen photos online of lots of S/H plants with good roots systems in algae, and I haven't really thought mine was anything to be concerned about especially since Ray said that removing the algae was basically for asthetic purposes (and I apologize to him if I am misquoting what he said). Anyway, I saw as I was browsing some plants (especially one) with algae growth in the bottom of the pot, and read a concern that the rather large accumulation may possibly be stopping up the drain holes. I've never thought about that, so my questions to you are: I understand that a prevention method at this point could be possibly more harmful than helpful, and that the best thing to do would be to unpot an algae plant, remove the algae, "disinfect" the PrimeAgra and repot (did I understand correctly?) I've never re-used PrimeAgra before, so this "disinfecting for re-use" procedure would be new to me.

One more question concerning prevention, how often do you suggest that I do drench my S/H plants, and which is best to use....bleach or Physan 20?

I would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions/advice, construcive criticism you may have.
Thank you in advance,
Vicki






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[Ross]

Hi, Vicki! I don't think this is too much to worry about. I don't do S/H but with clear pots and flow-thru constant fertilizer (well not constant, just daily) I get enough build up that little plants grow in the roots! I just take care of matters when I repot each year or so. As long as the roots look happy and as long as the plants look happy, what's to worry?

[gerneveyn]

I've used 1 fl oz of bleach in a gallon of water as a rinse to get rid of the algae. It got rid of most of it but not all. I just watered the plant with the solution, let it soak for a few minutes, flushed the pot, and refilled with water. The plant was not adversely affected in any way from the algae or the dilute bleach solution. You can prevent algal growth by placing the clear plastic container within an opaque one.

[VickiC]

Hi Ross!
Thank you for your help.....I'm always glad to get your input, so please keep it up! You know I'm a worrier and an over-reactor to a point, so I really appreciate your patience!
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Ross

Hi, Vicki! I don't think this is too much to worry about. I don't do S/H but with clear pots and flow-thru constant fertilizer (well not constant, just daily) I get enough build up that little plants grow in the roots! I just take care of matters when I repot each year or so. As long as the roots look happy and as long as the plants look happy, what's to worry?

[VickiC]

Hi!
Thanks for your help! I have one more question about your suggestion to place the clear plastic pot inside an opaque pot/container, please: Why opaque? Will setting my S/H pot inside a clay or dark plastic pot not work the same, or not....just as long as the light is not allowed to reach the clear plastic pot inside? If I indeed need to specifically use opaque, can you suggest where I might find this type of container that will house my S/H pot?
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Originally Posted by gerneveyn

I've used 1 fl oz of bleach in a gallon of water as a rinse to get rid of the algae. It got rid of most of it but not all. I just watered the plant with the solution, let it soak for a few minutes, flushed the pot, and refilled with water. The plant was not adversely affected in any way from the algae or the dilute bleach solution. You can prevent algal growth by placing the clear plastic container within an opaque one.