Mold treatment
 

I would like to hear what everyone feels is the best method to clear up a mold problem. I have read of people using a bleach solution, and also have read of others using hydrogen peroxide. Which do you feel is best? Also, can you describe your method? i.e. fill the pot and let it set for a while then drain and rinse with clean water ect....

I've been battling a bit of mold since I made the switch to s/h a month ago, and would really like to get the problem under control.

Depends on type of mold. For most molds, Physan 20 should do the job.

Thanks Ross. What is the application method for s/h?

I would mix according to label instructions and pour through the LECA to saturate it. Let it stay till you water next time.

[QUOTE=Ross;105933]Depends on type of mold. For most molds, Physan 20 should do the job.[/QUOTE


There is no physan sold in Canada, do you think that just a regular fugicide is ok to use on the roots?

Thanks!

My name is Sigrid and I'm also interested in finding the best way to clear up mold. Where can I buy Physan 20? I'm going to the States next week, so where do I look for it, in garden centers or Home Depot, may be hardware stores?

If you can't find Physan 20 in Canada, buy it through Ebay. It can always be found there. An 8 oz. bottle will last forever.

Physan won't get rid of mold that has already developed in the pots, that will take a repot and Physan 20 doesn't eliminate or keep all mold and fungus away but it does help to control them, somewhat. BUT, this also depends on how and where you're growing your orchids. I'm growing semi outdoors in Fla., with a host of issues to combat, especially in summer.

1) are you truly talking about mold, are is this possibly algae?

2) If algae, the recommendation made will keep it at bay, but nothing will remove it.

3) If it really is mold, that would be due to the presence of decomposing organic matter - either old potting medium or old roots, and treatments will only be temporary. If the amount is small, then I find it best to let the molds do their thing and get washed away when watering. They do not seem to attack healthy tissue.

If people are talking about the dark greenish stuff at the bottom I think this is algae. I have given up trying to deal with it. About 1/4 of my plants have a decent amount on the outside of the bottom inch. Another group have less and some have none. For several months I have added a small amount of Physan 20 with every fertigation that I do, which in my conditions indoors is about twice a week. I didn't see any change in the algae. I don't think the algae hurts the plants, I don't think it really plugs anything up, and some people have evidence that some algae and fungus might even be symbiotic for some plants. I repotted a couple of plants with the heavier appearance of algae and found that the algae was only around the walls of the pot - not much in most of the bottom LECA. I am not going to worry about it. Maybe it is even helpful.

I have 1 orchid that has mold growing on the bark. I've had this one since February and has never had a problem(it was a gift, and was actually responsible for starting this orchid addiction!) My other orchids, even the two I'm trying in s/h, seem unaffected.

The plant itself looks fine. Would it be unwise if I take a "wait and see" tactic? I'm more afraid of being too aggressive with chemicals. I'm also from Canada and would like to hear of alternatives, other than physan 20, that is available here? Thanks for any advice!