Molds on bark medium........Why??

[Pinoychids]

Hi all, I recently repotted all my orchids in clay pots with barks medium about 3 weeks ago. All orchids are placed on wet gravels or stones. Today, I noticed that 1 inch down the medium there were molds everywhere. My seedllings' roots are all rotting. One mature plant had rotted root, which I saw and pulled through the side drainage hole. What causes this problem? lack of room circulation? Too much humidity? Any suggestions to solve this problem?

Thanks all in advance.......

[WhiteRabbit]

It may be algae - but sounds like the media has been too wet if there are roots rotting.

[Pinoychids]

I don't think it is algae, because the molds look just like the molds you see on an old bread. I believe I don't have any choices but to repot correct? Is it a good idea to repot with sphagmoss in clay pots? What should I use to sanitaze the plants?

[Zoi2]

The mold spores could have been in the potting media before you repotted. Can you purchase a new bag?
I run my pots through the dishwasher to sterilize.
Joann

[stefpix]

would boil everything [except the seedlings]. and / or put in a bucket with hot water and some bleach then rinse. leave to dry in the sun

[Pinoychids]

You may be right! I am also suspecting that medium is contaminated with molds before repotted. Overwatering is not an issue here as I water my orchids very little that most of them shows minor leaves wrinkling(dehydration). Anyway.... I will repot again tomorrow...with brand new medium mix by Better-gro.

@ Stefix... I guess I will be having beef stew with phalaenopsis and dendrobiums vegetables. I make sure everything is tender. LOL..

[stefpix]

I think in Thailand they eat some Dendrobium canes. And some Africaan orchid is used as food.

Mold tastes great too... in creamy gorgonzola.