green slim on sphagnum

[Kaity]

So my mini's in my terrarium are potted in terra cotta and planted in sphagnum. They have all gotten a layer of green slim on the sphagnum. Is this okay?

[Royal]

It's probably algae, which doesn't seem to bother most orchids. Described as a "layer of slime" doesn't sound too nice though. You could replace the top layer if you want.

[RosieC]

I have that on my Masdies in clay. It's quie thick on the clay (and I have to be careful not to drop the pot because it makes them slippy) but has just turned the top of the moss green, but not so thick on that.

I've not found any ill effect on mine when they have it. As Royal has said if you want to change the top layer it may be worth it if it's really thick.

[Bolero]

That's normal and won't hurt the plants. It happens over time.

I would recommend getting some small river pebbles and just covering the surface of the sphagnum moss with this. It stops it looking slimy and gives a good appearance. A lot of people seem to do that over here and you can always reuse the pebbles.