Mold?

[AuroraPhal]

Yes, I can buy it here in any Pharmacy. Thank you so much, I will try with that

[kindrag23]

Just did it with mine, I have 2 new noids and one had slight mold on the roots.

[LadySoren]

So you just pour straight H2O2 on it?

[kindrag23]

I did, I did it about 5 hours ago roots still look okay but the small spots of white mold are all gone now.

[AuroraPhal]

Now I am slightly confused, not sure how to do that. I repotted my Phal about a year ago, and I really don't know how to put H2O2 on roots that are in bark without repotting it again... And I know that every repot is stress for orchid, so I am not sure how to put H2O2 without stressing my Phal... I am sorry if I am confusing or boring, but I really want to help my Phal and I don't want to hurt her somehow...

[Bill U.]

AuroraPhal,

You don't have to worry. There are a couple of things that you can do- with the hydrogen peroxide at a 2 or 3% solution, you CAN pour it directly into the pot/on the potting media without hurting anything. If you are concerned about getting every single root possible- you could also soak it for about 5-10 minutes in the hydrogen peroxide.

I have also seen some posts by other members on OB that have used a 1:10 bleach to water solution and water with that once a month or once every other month to help act as a fungicide. I would look into those numbers a little bit more though before I did anything (It's been a while since I have read those...).

This all being said, in nature, phals and other orchids form a mutualistic bond with certain molds/fungi that actually can help your plant thrive. I have this same type of "mold" (not sure if that is technically what it is..) that has been growing on a few of my roots for over a year. My roots and phal have never been stronger! So it may be one of those "you help me- I help you" types of mold that can actually be good for your phal and be more like how it would grow in its natural state.

In the end, you can do either. If you decide to leave it- monitor it, and as long as your roots still seem healthy, it could stay. The moment your roots start to seem negatively affected- get the peroxide or bleach.

[AuroraPhal]

Thank you Bill U. for such a great answer! I didn't know about that "good mold", but it sounds like it can be my "problem" because my Phal looks very healthy and stronger than ever. I mean, there won't be 14 leaves if something is wrong I guess And roots look healthy and green... I will monitor it for now, and if I notice something bad, now I know what I will do. This forum is great place to be, thanks a lot, you really helped

[Nexogen]

Originally Posted by LadySoren

So you just pour straight H2O2 on it?

if is H2O2 3%,

yes

[RosieC]

I'm not completely sure it's mold.

Phal roots grow white hairs that help them grip to the trees they grow on in nature. They tend not to grow all over the root, just where they have potential of clinging. Sometimes they are not visible, sometimes they are larger and quite visible.

The picture reminds me of that, though admittedly a lot if it if it's that.

I don't really know, just throwing out the idea that it might not be mold

[Bill U.]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I'm not completely sure it's mold.

Phal roots grow white hairs that help them grip to the trees they grow on in nature. They tend not to grow all over the root, just where they have potential of clinging. Sometimes they are not visible, sometimes they are larger and quite visible.

The picture reminds me of that, though admittedly a lot if it if it's that.

I don't really know, just throwing out the idea that it might not be mold

I think you might be right about this Rosie.. It doesn't really look too much like mold and I only find it where the roots are touching the pot. Now that I think about it, they do look awfully like the root hairs that occur on phragmipedium roots... Good thought!