Whats the safest way to get rid of some mold?

[stylingpat]

I just repotted two Phals a few weeks back into a Fir Bark mix that was boiled for 15 mins. They are sitting inside under a light ontop of a heat mat and I'm noticing that there are tiny pin prick white spots popping up on some of the chunks of fir bark.

Any information would be great appreciated!

[isurus79]

Hitting the spots with a bit of rubbing alcohol works, but its bad for orchid roots so be careful. The mold will likely come back, so the only long term method of getting rid of the mold is better air circulation. Ofcourse this shortens drying time, so you'll have to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. You also don't want to blast your plants with a constant wind either! A lot of the time mold will pop up quickly on a new surface and then dissapear in a few weeks on its own. It won't hurt your plants at all.

[euplusia]

Agreed. The mold itself doesn't hurt the plant, but indicates that the mix is about to break down. Sooner or later you have to repot in fresh mix, then you can clean the pot thoroughly. Eventually drill some more holes in the bottom for better air circulation.

[royjohn]

Yes I like the explanation regarding the mold.

[NYCorchidman]

I wouldn't boil because boiling basically does nothing.
Fungal spores are everywhere in the air and when they land on suitable material like "preboiled" potting mix, they will grow.

As mentioned by someone else above, molds do not hurt the plants. They just want to eat the dead material.

The best way to control would be lowering the humidity.

[AnonYMouse]

Hydrogen peroxide.

[kindrag23]

I used hydrogen peroxide on my cym. LBS. Worked great.

[NYCorchidman]

Again, whatever it done, it will be all temporary.
They are everywhere and will show up again.

Non pathogenic molds are not threats to plants.
Only lower humidity will keep them at bay for good.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Only lower humidity will keep them at bay for good.

Actually, better air movement would get rid of the mold no matter what the humidity and lets face it, orchids like high humidity!

[Leafmite]

Most mold will not harm plants. I use an organic fertilizer for many of my plants and it grows mold temporarily in the damp soil of the moisture loving plants. Not a big deal. Better air-flow does get rid of the mold, as indicated, so setting up a little fan will take care of your problem.