algae questions

[VickiC]

Hi everyone,
I have already posted these questions in the Beginner Discussion forum by mistake, so this is a "re-type".

I was reading some older posts last night mainly hoping to run across some comments concerning algae growth and indeed found several including one from Ray that I have read before more than once, I believe on his site ?? I have a few orchids potted using S/H culture that have developed algae formation and I'm still a little confused as to what I should do about it if anything at this point ( attached). I have neglected/somewhat overlooked prevention so now I need your help, please. I have seen photos online of lots of S/H plants with good roots systems in algae, and I haven't really thought mine was anything to be concerned about especially since Ray said that removing the algae was basically for asthetic purposes (and I apologize to him if I am misquoting what he said). Anyway, I saw as I was browsing some plants (especially one) with algae growth in the bottom of the pot, and read a concern that the rather large accumulation may possibly be stopping up the drain holes. I've never thought about that, so my questions to you are: I understand that a prevention method at this point could be possibly more harmful than helpful, and that the best thing to do would be to unpot an algae plant, remove the algae, "disinfect" the PrimeAgra and repot (did I understand correctly?) I've never re-used PrimeAgra before, so this "disinfecting for re-use" procedure would be new to me.

One more question concerning prevention, how often do you suggest that I do drench my S/H plants, and which is best to use....bleach or Physan 20?

I would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions/advice, construcive criticism you may have.
Thank you in advance,
Vicki

[Ray]

Vicki,

The amount of algae you have is insignificant.

You are correct that it is simply an aesthetic issue unless the buildup is so great that it plugs the holes. Don't forget that the algae only grows where there is moisture, nutrition and light, so will not intrude into the center of the pot. If you started a preventive treatment now, you'll have no issues.

[VickiC]

Thank you, Ray!
I have one more question, if you don't mind, please: How often would you suggest that I do the preventive treatment, as you suggested? Once a month, perhaps....not that often, more often?
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Ray

Vicki,

The amount of algae you have is insignificant.

You are correct that it is simply an aesthetic issue unless the buildup is so great that it plugs the holes. Don't forget that the algae only grows where there is moisture, nutrition and light, so will not intrude into the center of the pot. If you started a preventive treatment now, you'll have no issues.

[JamesK]

Better than using chemicals...

Get a dark pot, and slip your plastic pot inside it. No light = no algae. And take it out to look at the roots when you feel like it.

I don't even worry about algae, moss, or even little weeds that get into mine. I just pull them up when they get too big. In the case of the moss, I pull it up so that air can get down to the roots, when it covers the whole top of the pot.

Happy Growing!

James

[VickiC]

Thank you, James! It's always good to have options! One more to add to my list!
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by JamesK

Better than using chemicals...

Get a dark pot, and slip your plastic pot inside it. No light = no algae. And take it out to look at the roots when you feel like it.

I don't even worry about algae, moss, or even little weeds that get into mine. I just pull them up when they get too big. In the case of the moss, I pull it up so that air can get down to the roots, when it covers the whole top of the pot.

Happy Growing!

James