Fungus on Phal roots... what if anything should I do?

[plantluvver]

This plant has looked curly and a bit floppy, so I took a look at the roots. I saw white stalks with a ball on top. I suspect these are fungal fruiting bodies. They are also present on the media, along with some mycelium.

I acquired this orchid about six weeks ago. I repotted in mix from a big box store, in a clear plastic pot.

Am I correct these are fungal fruiting bodies?

Should I care?

Is this fungus likely to be causing the decline of this plant? If the decline is another cause, does this fungus contribute to the decline?

Is it likely that the mix was contaminated when I bought it, and I should toss it?

Does the fungus indicate a problem with my culture?

[Ray]

Yes

Yes - care, but don't be too concerned.

No, and no. Such ectofungi are opportunistic, taking advantage of existing issues, not causing them.

Yes, and no.

Possibly, but in this case, probably not. The fungi are merely taking advantage of good growth conditions for them.

At a bare minimum, just be observant of the plant. You can always add a plant probiotic to "tip the scales" in the favor of the plant. You could use a disinfectant instead, but it might be stressful for the plant too.

[plantluvver]

Thanks!

I will just leave things alone for now and keep an eye on it.

Everything was neglected while I was completing the Cooperative Extension Master Gardener training. (Oh! The irony!)

I have lightened my schedule, and I now have more time to spend with my plants.

[Ray]

So does the Master Gardener training tell you anything pertinent to orchids?

Based upon my discussions with a few MG's here, the answer is "no".

[plantluvver]

No, nothing about orchids. The training is very broad and is really only a very general introduction to gardening.
The trsining is mostly just background information .

Which is why I am here asking questions. Lol.