Onc and Phal: White stuff on potting mix and brown roots?

[Summerlove]

Hi there! I am a newbie on this forum, and a newbie with orchids!
I managed to finally kept some alive through their blooming phase and now the blooms are gone and they are growing some new leaves. I have't done anything different, other than moving them to a new location (similar amount of light, but possibly a little less airy - on shelves rather than open space.)
Lately I noticed that the oncidium potting mix (at the surface) seems to be moldy, and the roots are also turning brown. (Image attached)
For the phal (it has a clear pot), parts of the root near the bottom of the pot, along with the nearby potting mix seem to have fuzzy white coating too.

Is this snow mold? And what should I do to get rid of the mold?
Also are the brown roots in the (oncidium) picture a concern?

Thank you!!

[cjm3fl]

I can't make out too much detail from the photo..small screen here.

Could be a powdery mildew.
Personally, I'd remove the plant(s) from their pot. Removing as much potting material as possible. Let the roots dry some (a few hours in a bright, but shaded area, outside--if it's warm where you are).
This should be enough time for you to get things ready for re-potting.
After orchids finish blooming is a good time for this anyway.

Looks like the "beginning" of any issue with the roots too. See what they look like, and post another picture, after they've dried out for the short time I've mention above.

Also, besides removing the plant(s) from the pot and removing the old potting material...let's see what other more experienced growers have to say.
They might recommend a 'treatment' of some kind that will help keep your plants' health and assist with their recovery, from whatever is ailing them.

'Treatments' is something I come here to find out about and I'm not comfortable giving what little I've learned on to others, yet.


Anything "fuzzy" is not good, on roots or plant.
Fungus, maybe a mold.
Remove the plants, discard the material they are in.
Get NEW pots for them.
The old ones can be sterilized and used again, at a later time. But I, personally, don't like growing orchids in those clear plastic pots.