Phalaenopsis has green growth in the pot. Is that okay?

[grillawoman]

My mom just got me an Orchid a couple days ago. I am determined not to let this beautiful plant die. I have done some research and am feeling confident. The only thing I have not been able to find out about is...

There is a green film/moss/mold on the inside of the clear pot. All I have read says not to re-pot if the plant is still flowering, and it is, it even has a new stem, with buds. I don't want her to die on me.

I will attach photos.

[dounoharm]

it looks pretty good, the moss on the side is algae not to worry...that is normal with the clear pots....just monitor the water, when you see the roots get dry, then water it completely and thoroughly....it should do well, it doesnt need a repot till after it blooms...gl!

[grillawoman]

Thank you so much! I am bound and determined to take good care of my Orchid!!!

[jkofferdahl]

It looks fine to me as well. I think that part of the green comes just from the moist roots, which turn green with water. Allow them to dry before watering again!

[cneos]

the green algae shouldn't hurt the plant but if it's so thick that you can't see the roots inside the clear plastic pots, I might be a bit concerned.

Healthy orchid roots are firm to the touch, have a fairly smooth surface and may be cream colored to white. Growing tips should be green, maybe with a reddish tinge.

Roots have protective layer on them called 'velamen' which is white when roots are near dry - dry. Velamen turns lush green as roots take up water.

The best time to repot an orchid is when the roots are actively growing. Sometimes active root growth is coincident with flowering.

Although I have witnessed many [U]experienced[U] growers repot a plant that's in flower, I'd be so worried about possibly damaging the flower spike that I wouldn't be too quick to 'try this at home'.

[dounoharm]

or you can use physan 20 as a 'root wash' and it is also an algaecide and will kill the algae in the pot....

[grillawoman]

The algae is pretty thick, and all around the pot. Where would I get this Physan 20?

[trdyl]

I know Oak Hill Gardens carries it. Many orchid nurseries have it in stock.

[cneos]

I have never used physan but have on occasion soaked my pots (with plants in them) in a solution of a capful of clorox to a gallon of water to help keep the algae down. The majority of our plants are vandas and as there is always water on the floors, I'll algae-prone floors with same solution so that I don't fall flat on my face while tending plants.

My friend, Dr. Wilford Neptune, rest his soul, always said, as an orchid grower, algae is the 'bane of my existence'. How true for anyone growing in a greenhouse.