Catasetum Seedling Mold

[Xanadu410]

Hello All,

Been lurking in these message boards for awhile now. First post.... Looking for some guidance. I recently purchased my first flask. Ctsm hyrbid. When I planted them I had rehydrated the spagh I used in a physan solution as well soaking the plants in the same solution. I have the plug tray in a humidity dome on top of a heating mat to maintain temp between 69-74 degrees Fahrenheit. Planted 6 days ago. This morning I noticed mold on a couple of the surfaces of the spagh. Removed them from the tray. Sprayed the remaining with a physan solution. My question is what should my next steps be? Is this going to be salvageable? If so, what would your advice be to prevent future molding?

[Dorchid]

Are you sure it’s mold and not algae? Post a pic. One thing for certain is mold flourishes in stagnate, warm humid air, so, it would be beneficial to increase FAE while maintaining the desired temp and rh if possible. Not sure the humidity dome is the best approach to achieve this...a Martha or grow tent would likely work better. My

[Xanadu410]

It had a bluish hue, and was furry looking. Should have taken a photo. Gut instinct was to get rid of them. Tossed them then had the idea of asking around. The dome has vents built in to allow air circulation. The RH in my grow space usually doesn't drop below 50% perhaps I should just leave the dome off?

[Dorchid]

Fuzzy would seem to be indicative of mold. I’m new to orchids and haven’t grown deflasked seedlings yet so no authority, here. SVO suggests 50-80% rh for that stage, so my guess would be you could remove the dome if indeed your ambient rh doesn’t go below 50%. You could also incorporate a humidity tray or humidifier into the equation to ensure rh is ample. I bet other opinions from those with experience will soon surface.

[isurus79]

Any update on this one?

[Xanadu410]

So far no more mold. Since my rh is always above 50% the dome has stayed off and it has been needing water every 2-3 days.

[Dorchid]