keeping Phrag. wet w/o mold or fungus?

[jzorn]

So I have acquired two phrag. at an orchid show this weekend, today I noticed that there is white fuzz on the medium. These are "wet phrag." and I was told to let them stand in a little bit of clean water. How would one keep these plants at a sufficient moisture without fungus bloom? I’m planning on repotting once they are done blooming but both are in bud currently.

Is this White fungus bad for the orchid? Will it cause brown spot?

Also what medium have some of you had success with for when I repot?

Thanks, Josh =)

[Lagoon]

Hi Josh,

I've had this fuzz and mold problems when I was using just bark. Also has some trouble with sphagnum moss (bad batch). Repotted back in sphag and corse rok (large perlite), problem gone.
I also use a peatmoss based media with small bark avec added perlite. Works well for me.

You're media just maybe broken down - try adding a fan.

[jzorn]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if it would end up killing them or not, I'll set up a small clip on fan until they are done blooming.

[Lagoon]

Good deal Josh. I hope you will post photo when they bloom

[Ross]

You can also spray surface with Physan 20, as that will defeat the mold.

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I was having that problem with a couple plants. I solved it by a spray of Physan 20, and added a fan. I'll be repotting as soon as I get the time.

Good luck with yours! And I agree, I'd love to see pictures.