Cattleyas in SH showing white substance

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Here are four photos of the issue. The first two are a mini Catt and the second two are a standard Cattlianthe. Both in semi-hydroponic-culture. Both receive the same care. Water with rainwater. Using K-lite @~100ppm weekly, Quantum Total weekly, and Kelpak monthly. There is a white substance which has formed on some of the surfaces above the substrate.










The mini has two new growths approx 2 months old that have yet to put out new roots.

Temp range 65-85°f. Humidity 55-70%. There are small fans in the grow tent that move air lightly.
Anyone have an idea what I'm looking at?

[Leafmite]

I always have a difficult time telling from the picture. Having hard water, I usually have some residue on my plants but you use rain water so this is not likely the cause. It could be residue from fertilizer or minerals but it could also be something else...here are some possibilities....
Eggs of white fly or some other pest?
White Root Rot?
White Root Rot Disease | Home Guides | SF Gate
Could it be a type of mold?
https://herbsathome.co/how-to-remove...n-houseplants/
Fungus?
A Guide to Fungus and Houseplants | WallyGro
– WallyGrow

[Ray]

Looks like mold growing on dead tissues to me.

Normal and not a threat to the plant.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I always have a difficult time telling from the picture. Having hard water, I usually have some residue on my plants but you use rain water so this is not likely the cause. It could be residue from fertilizer or minerals but it could also be something else...here are some possibilities....
Eggs of white fly or some other pest?
White Root Rot?
White Root Rot Disease | Home Guides | SF Gate
Could it be a type of mold?
Houseplant mold: Identify, remove, and prevent unwanted mold on indoor plants
Fungus?
A Guide to Fungus and Houseplants | WallyGro
– WallyGrow

Thanks for the links. I'll look into them.

---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

Looks like mold growing on dead tissues to me.

Normal and not a threat to the plant.

Click the third picture and zoom in on the newer root.. it clearly shows a green section before the white, then a living Root tip. I'm stumped. Any idea why the mini hasn't sprouted roots? It has gotten the usual Kelpak soak and monthly boost.

[Lil Duck]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

Any idea why the mini hasn't sprouted roots? It has gotten the usual Kelpak soak and monthly boost.

I am not sure what the parentage of the mini is but if it has any former Sophronitis in it parentage then it will most likly grow roots after the pseudobulb has fully matured ( As in the sheath has dried) .

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Lil Duck

I am not sure what the parentage of the mini is but if it has any former Sophronitis in it parentage then it will most likly grow roots after the pseudobulb has fully matured ( As in the sheath has dried) .

Thanks for this. I checked and it is 37.5% C. Coccinea. I put the plant in a modified sphag n bag after cleaning things up. Those two new growths have stayed small, so I hope they haven't stalled. The plant has one decent root to work with.

[estación seca]

I agree it's probably mold on dead tissue. Can you increase air circulation?

[Dusty Ol' Man]

That's possible. I have another 3 inch muffin fan I can use.