Mold Treatment Questions
 

I have a dendrobium hollywood that is recovering from almost dying. It was originally overpacked with sphagnum moss and super wet when given as a gift. After many helpful suggestions from people in OB, it is on the road to recovery.

While it is in recovery, I put it in an area with lower light and warmer temperatures (75-80 F daytime temp / 65-70 F night temps) rather than where I keep my other orchids (65-70 F daytime temps / 55-60 F night temps). However, it warmer area has poor air flow. I have a skewer for helping me figure out when I need to water. When I checked it this morning, I saw some white fuzzy mold.

The Physan 20 packet says to use 2 teaspoons Physan 20 per gallon of water. Spray once per month as preventative maintenance. Soak compost when fungus is present.

1. For preventative maintenance, do I spray the leaves and medium? How do I make sure I do not have issues with rot or leaf discoloration? I have read threads where people say the leaves get wet and it leads to problems when it doesn't dry off.

2. For treating the dendrobium with mold in the medium, do I have to unpot the orchid to soak it in Physan solution or just dunk the pot in a bucket with the solution? How long do I have to soak it for? After soaking it, do I need to rinse thoroughly?

3. Should I move the dendrobium back to where the other orchids are to avoid the mold issue or would it be more detrimental for it to be in the colder temperatures and increased light during recovery? I moved the orchid to the new location on Dec. 1st.

Thank you in advance for your help! :)

Susan

Just giving you a bump. I'm afraid I don't know much about treating mold as I've been lucky so far :crossfing

When I use Physan 20 I use 1 teaspoon per gallon, and soak plant, leaves and all. Repeat again in two weeks. Move to a brighter spot. Can't you set up a fan in area of orchids. All orchids need good air flow.
You may need to repot with new media, if mold continues. Good Luck!

I agree with Carol on the 1 teaspoon per gallon. That is the most I ever use.

Thanks for the help! Do I need to rinse the Physan solution after soaking it?

I have all my orchids in an area with air circulation. I put the dendrobium to another location that was warmer and low light in its recovery to help it adjust better. The downside is that the air circulation there is low. I'll start to transition my orchid back to more light so I can have it back with the others.