Fungus or something innocent?

[Stefan Petersen]

Hi Everybody

A few years ago some of you helped me care for this phal which is an heirloom from my grandmother who isn't among us anymore. It went from being distressed to actually blooming now for the first time in years

But now I have noticed that there are these white spots on some of the pieces of bark. I am a bit worried if it might be the beginning of a fungus infection. What do you think it is?

I am not sure if I should repot it or not. It was a very nervy situation the last time, because it meeans so much to me.

I only found the spots on a few pieces of bark in the top. But eventhough the pot is transparent, I am not able to make a thorough inspections.

[Roberta]

I don't see anything particularly worrisome, but if it has been a "few years" repotting is probably a good idea. Not urgent, Phals can be safely repotted while in bloom but you could wait too. When you repot, be gentle - don't worry about removing every bit of old bark - anything stuck to roots, just leave it. (Remove what falls off easily, rinse under running water, then repot into fresh medium) Also, remember that when you have fresh bark, you will need to water more often since it won't stay as wet.

[Dimples]

Fungus is less likely at the top of the pot. It’s dryer at the top of the pot and fungus like damp places. White patches on the top layers of bark is more likely to be mineral deposits. It could also just be the bark aging over time.