Is this mold on phal roots?

[vanillacreme]

I have noticed white fuzz on some of the roots inside my recently repotted phal (Jan.13th). The fuzz seems to be on the roots which I decided to keep on the plant, although some of them were broken but still firm and/or had rotted areas, but continued on with healthy extensions. I am not sure if I need to repot again so I can entirely cut off these moldy roots, disinfect the remaining roots with H202 and clean the pot/media again. I do not want to stress out the plant further, but the white fuzz is worrisome. Currently, the leaves look good, but one of the aerial roots is shriveling up. I have also noticed that some of the roots are starting to turn brown. I have been careful to let the roots dry out before watering.

The pot is placed near a west facing window in the main bathroom (somewhat humid). The current media is medium bark mix with charcoal, sponge rock and some spagnum moss. I believe the phal is also getting used to it's new media as it originally was potted in pure moss, making the roots currently not so happy.

Here are photos of the white fuzz through the pot.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Kseniya]

Hello. It could be fungus or mold. You need to repot it, removing dead roots and tissue. Use Physan to sterilize and soak plant in it for 15-20 min. Clean and sterilize that pot and media you will use. Good air Circulation will help with mold problems. Where did you buy your media? Sometimes it will be bad in new bag from the store. I encounter lots problems with media from stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Now I only buy at Repotme.com. Hope it helps. Good Luck!

[phalaenopsis.tomii]

I have experienced something similar with a Lowe's-acquired phal, also using Lowe's-acquired media. This demonstrated to me the wisdom of having my orchids in clear plastic pots. A judicious trimming and application of whatever agent you prefer (mine being 'Agent X,' which is nothing more than a mix of soap, alcohol, and water...but, of course, in a secret ratio) takes care of the cleansing of the fungus.

Whatever the reason for this unwanted growth, one such treatment now and again is more than compensated for by the discounts offered at such stores, which seem, strangely, bent on the mistreatment of the orchids they sell.

[Bill U.]

I know that this posting is a little late, but I also encourage people who are questioning if they have mold on their roots to take a close look. Phals are epiphytes, aka- they anchor themselves onto the bark of trees and other things in the jungle. Sometimes you can see little "hairs" that are attached to the root- these are anchoring structures that help hold the root to the media, whether it be a tree or bark in a pot. Just something to throw out there...