EpiWeb with Mold Problem & Question.....Ray? - Orchid Board

Becca · #1 07-19-2009, 01:43 AM

Hi Everyone! I'm hoping those experienced with Epiweb or mold or fungal problems may be able to help me. I have a Cattleya growing on a huge slab of EpiWeb. It loves it! But about 6 or more months ago I started getting a white fuzzy mold growing on the surface of the mount next to the roots and on the roots. I have been using a Physan 20 spray over and over and I just can't seem to beat it! I know I have high humidity, and I have air circulation, but probably not enough. My one Coralife fan dedicated to this mount to help out with the issue decided to crap out on me. So the problem has gotten worse sense then and I don't want to keep putting money into fans that can't hold up to my conditions. So why isn't the Physan 20 doing it's job? What can I do? I have other orchids mounted on epiweb and other orchids mounted on other materials and I don't have any problems with them. Just this one! Sooo....can someone give me any idea's on what to do? I was hoping Ray might be able to help me since he has a lot of experience with the EpiWeb. Thanks in advance!

cirillonb · #2 07-19-2009, 08:51 PM

I have a small orchid on a small slab and no problem. does the mold seem to be causing a problem or is it aesthetic ?
Nick

Becca · #3 07-20-2009, 03:24 PM

I don't know if it is harmful or not and that is why I am trying to get rid of it. It is the white fuzzy looking mold/fungus, I'm not very scientific so I am really not sure what it is. I just know that Physan 20 is is a broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide so I was hoping it would have taken care of the problem, but it just keeps coming back, daily or every other day or so.

harrywitmore · #4 07-20-2009, 03:56 PM

A picture may be helpful. Can you take one?

Swamper · #5 07-20-2009, 05:39 PM

Is it snow mold? Take a look at this and see if it looks like what you have. Well at least the first couple of pages.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ow-mold-3.html
Good luck

Becca · #6 07-20-2009, 05:40 PM

Hi Harry! My camera doesn't take great close-up or macro shots. I'll try and see what I can do, but I'm not holding my breath!

Becca · #7 07-20-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swamper

Is it snow mold? Take a look at this and see if it looks like what you have. Well at least the first couple of pages.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ow-mold-3.html
Good luck

From a description in a link from that link, I'm not sure it's snow mold. It described snow mold as looking like paint. Mine is fuzzy/hairy white looking. I don't have the option of repotting since this 'chid is mounted to epiweb and the roots are very will secure in it and it would probably kill the 'chid to remove it. Like I said this is the only one I have the problem with and it won't go away even with the Physan 20 use. But now that I read the link you provided, I think I have snow mold on a few of my stick mounted orchids. My humidity is usually 80% or higher so that is why. I know more air circulation would help, but my Coralife fans aren't holding up to the job because water drips on them!

Swamper · #8 07-20-2009, 05:58 PM

I have across something similar to what you have as well it's puffier and sorta makes a little mound. I blast it with my hose and when anything is left I brush it with a toothbrush ( the one in my garage not in the bathroom) and some alcohol. Physan didn't work for me either at least not on this....Actually, not to change the subject but I got some lady bugs today and hopefully they'll get rid of all the nasty bugs out there and I was told not to use the physan for a couple of weeks prior. It has been hard not to use it cause I really like the stuff BUT it didnt take care of the white moldy stuff.

Becca · #9 07-20-2009, 06:04 PM

It originally started when I had coco husk fiber on the mount for a bit of extra moisture. I took as much of it off the mount that it could and it seemed to have taken care of the problem, but then sometime down the road I started having problems again. The fuzzy stuff only seems to grow on roots that look like they are no longer alive. I am going to try and do some delicate surgery to remove them, hopefully I won't be removing anything that looks bad but started a good root where I can not see, sometimes roots can be tricky like that. That just may be my best option, to remove any dead looking stuff and try to increase the air circulation, which I added a small fan to blow on the mount, so far the white fuzzy stuff keeps coming back.

Good luck with the lady bugs! I hope the help!

Swamper · #10 07-20-2009, 08:45 PM

Good luck to you as well. I just released the ladies