Paph. with White Mold/Rot? Help!

[mtayl04]

Hi,

I got this orchid about 3 weeks ago at a home improvement store, this is my first paphiopedilum. The moss it is in was packed very tightly up to the bottom leaves, so I loosened and removed some to alllow a little more air circulation. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a white fuzz on the main root that is visible, so I tried just wiping it off. It came back and I searched around and people recommended to use anti-fungal or cinnamon. So I spread some cinnamon on the root. I tried to keep it off the base of the plant, but of course, the white fuzz went all the way up to the base. 3 days later, the white fuzz is back in full force, and there is also some browning at the base of the plant. I don't know if this is from the cinnamon, or some sort of rot issue. Also, the flower has died, but it could have been an older bloom when I got it from the store, I have no way to know! The flower is in moss (the rest of mine are in bark) so I may have been overwatering it for the first week or two...would that contribute to the fuzz/rot problems? I am holding off on watering a little lighter to help. The rest of the plant seems healthy as far as I can tell. Can I get rid of the fuzz? What is it? Is my plant rotting/dying? I plan to repot ASAP, I just want to make sure I fix these problems before I move it to new media! Thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

Paphs sometimes get bark at the base. I can't tell if that's the case with yours, or if it's rotting. Does the area feel firm?

It's best to keep ground or powdered cinnamon away from
roots, as it will dry them out.

Since the bloom has dropped, you may as well repot , and if bark is better for you, use that. A fine mix is recommended for Paphs.

[billc]

It looks like some kind of mold or fungal growth. If your other plants are in a bark mix, I would repot this plant into bark also. Keep it on the dry side for several weeks and the mold should go away. The mold probably likes the moisture in the spag mix.
Before putting the plant into the bark mix I would make sure all the moss is off the roots. No sense in having the mold spores coming over to the new mix.

Bill

[Ray]

Never put cinnamon powder on roots. In addition to being a fungicide, it is a great desiccant too, and will stop all root growth. Instead, consider making a "tea" by soaking a tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a quart of hot water - leave it for a couple of days, then strain the liquid through a coffee filter or paper towel. Drench thoroughly. Commercial fungicides like Physan are also a good idea, as is chlorine bleach (1 oz/gal, then flush 5 minutes later)

It is possible the mold came from the moss, but even more likely it originated from airborne spores in the environment of the original nursery or the store.

[mtayl04]

Thanks for all your input.

White Rabbit, The area at the base and the affected root do not seem squishy or oozy when I press my fingernail to them, but the dark area is definitely spreading across the lower part of the leaf, which is what worries me.

I have left the plant with the affected root facing the sunlight, and the mold has turned from white to gray, maybe this is a good sign? I will definitely repot tomorrow, but I am thinking I will wash/spray the roots with 3% hydrogen peroxide (I couldn't find Physan anywhere and I was wary of using the generic rose care sprays from the store) before repotting to help hopefully get rid of the mold spores. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again.

[Orchidreamer]

Be sure to keep an eye out on the brown patch. It may or may not be erwinia, which is a kind of bacterial rot:

Orchid Diseases

Pouring hydrogen peroxide would work as well. I was not able to find any physan in any local stores so I had to order mine online.

Also, after you repot, be sure to place your plant in a well ventilated area, with adequate air movement to discourage any more mold.

[WhiteRabbit]

I use hydrogen-peroxide as well