White mold on cat's roots?

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

It is mold. Usually a bright location with good air circulation, low humidity, and very little moisture on the roots will be inhospitable to the mold.

If it still persists, then a fungicide is needed.

I don't know what kinds of fungicide you could use though.

I ditto. But you can save this puppy!!!! I might not bid on what that vendor offers in the future, tho.

[ALToronto]

When a plant with a new growth undergoes a drastic change in environment, the stress can kill the new growth. You should have left it alone and let it become accustomed to your growing conditions. You probably haven't killed the plant, but you likely set it back by a few months. Relax, make sure the plant gets good light, temperature, air flow and water, and let it recover.

[cpeters5]

Thanks for all your kind encouragements. I noticed the roots above the media turned slightly brown but still firm. I will leave the plant alone and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again. Your help is appreciated!

[HighSeas]

I would soak those plants in Kelp. Pronto. Then pot them up, keeping them on the dry side. Continue to water with Kelp until you see roots.

I completely agree with Silken. Stuff "happens", and when it does, you need to be prepared to deal with it. I used to be an ICU nurse before I started teaching. I learned there, that it's ALWAYS better to deal with issues SOONER rather than waiting to see what happens. It never failed me. I treat my orchids with the same aggression. Prevention and action are key here. Here are some of the things, right off the top of my head, that you might want to have on hand:

Alcohol (not for roots), Kelp, Thiomyl (systemic fungicide), Physan 20 (preventive maintenance), Phyton 27, Sulfur, Seven dust, Neem oil, Malathion, I even use Purell hand sanitizer on cuts/wounds because it's thick, stays where you put it and works! You can also mix it with a bit of Sulfur and it becomes a bandaid. This is just off the top of my head....

Does anyone have something to add to this list?

[bil]

Originally Posted by HighSeas

Does anyone have something to add to this list?

Well, I have seen people recommend Mancozeb for fugus problems on orchids. I can't advise as to whether you can use it on all orchids, or if any precautions are needed, but I have used it in a lot of cases on other plants, and it is extremely effective indeed.

Anyone who has anything to say about Mancozeb for orchids, I'd be delighted to hear about it.

[cpeters5]

Originally Posted by HighSeas

I would soak those plants in Kelp. Pronto. Then pot them up, keeping them on the dry side. Continue to water with Kelp until you see roots.

Originally Posted by HighSeas

Alcohol (not for roots), Kelp, Thiomyl (systemic fungicide), Physan 20 (preventive maintenance), Phyton 27, Sulfur, Seven dust, Neem oil, Malathion, I even use Purell hand sanitizer on cuts/wounds because it's thick, stays where you put it and works! You can also mix it with a bit of Sulfur and it becomes a bandaid.

Thank you for the very useful information. I have some of these items on hand, but not kelp. Can I use kelp from a local pharmacy as a substitute? What is the right amount of dosage to use for plant roots? In fact, I have dried seaweed for cooking (which I never use anyway.) Would adding a piece of the seaweed in a bucket of water have a similar effect to kelp?

Still learning...
pax

[silken]

Originally Posted by cpeters5

Thank you for the very useful information. I have some of these items on hand, but not kelp. Can I use kelp from a local pharmacy as a substitute? What is the right amount of dosage to use for plant roots? In fact, I have dried seaweed for cooking (which I never use anyway.) Would adding a piece of the seaweed in a bucket of water have a similar effect to kelp?

Still learning...
pax

I've been at the lake for a while so just saw this. I'm not sure about the kelp you mention but I can't see it hurting anything. The kelp referred to by orchid growers is usually meant for applying to plants and comes in a dry powder or a liquid form. I get mine from a hydroponics store and it seems most of them carry one brand or another. But making a tea of some cooking kelp leaves will have some benefit I would think.