Unknown genus (Dendrobium?) with mold/fungus?
 

Hey everyone,

I bought an orchid about two weeks ago and haven't had a chance to repot it into a mix of bark, charcoal and perlite. As I was inspecting the roots, I found turqoise/bluegreen color specs that look like the kind of mold that grows on bread. It also has white specs on the roots. I'm assuming it is mold since the moss just keeps the moisture in, but what should I do before repotting it (aside from clipping the bad/dead roots)?

http://members.shaw.ca/kkijowski/orchid/IMG_6004.JPG

Also, what causes the leaves to have yellow areas (as shown in the pictures below)? I have another phalaenopsis that is doing the same thing (thought not as severe), except a new leaf is coming out.

http://members.shaw.ca/kkijowski/orchid/IMG_6005.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/kkijowski/orchid/IMG_6006.JPG

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I would get that out of the moss as soon as possible.

You will have to carefully pry the roots apart (bamboo skewers or something similar are a good tool to use). Soak it good before you start, the roots become more flexible.

You may find some rot in the middle of the root ball, cut away any bad roots - soft and squishy.

There are various products that members use for mold, etc. Someone may have a suggestion.

As orchids grow put on new growth they often shed older leaves. The yellowing of an older one is usually normal however it could be a sign of root stress so all the more reason to repot.

The plant looks to me like it could be a cattleya. Are you sure about dendrobium?

Maureen

im positive thats not a den! it looks like a catt alliance.

i think you would use a fungicide for the mold. you can find some remecies here. again, im not positive if fungisides can be used for mold

Thanks for the suggestions. I only reason why I thought it was a dendro was because the person at the nursery thought it was a dendrobium (it didn't have a tag).

I have the mix soaking in water for tonight and I'll repot it tomorrow.

Any suggestions for what to use for those blue green specs/mold? Also, how would I apply it (ie directly onto the roots and repot it right away?)

I haven't had to deal with this so I don't have a suggestion.

I've seen some on the Board say to use things like hydrogen peroxide or original (brown) listerine.

If you do, I would just spray or dip the roots in it.

After you get your plant cleaned up and ready for potting you may find it isn't such a big deal. The molds and things are often growing on dead or decaying matter anyway.
You will be improving conditions once you repot and that may put an end to it.

Have fun,
Maureen

i meant to give you a link to a home remedies site, sorry i forgot. but like i said, im not positive if a fungicide is what you would use on mold

First Rays' Home Remedies