Skewer fungus question

[boxerfan]

I was checking skewers this morning and found white fungus growing on the skewers of my Brassia and one of my Paphs. Pics are a bit blurry, but you get the idea. Both are in a small bark medium. The Brassia is living outdoors right now and the Paph is mostly indoors. I don't see any fungus elsewhere on the plants. Does this just sometimes happen and I need to replace the skewers or do I have a bigger problem here? Thanks, Lisa

[Sharyn]

Lisa: I get some white fungus on the skewers at times, more often with the warmer weather. Soak them in a glass of water with 10% bleach; otherwise, replace them - they're cheap enough.

[Tobi]

Lisa,
It looks like it's probably a white surface mold which is not uncommon on
skewers and even on the surface of bark media. If the skewers contain too
much moisture, it is a prime opportunity for the development of mold. I agree
with Sharyn in that I would replace the skewers and check the surface of
the bark the next few days to make sure it hasn't spread there. These are
not usually a pathogenic mold to the plant itself, but can be quite a nusiance.
If it does get into the bark, repot, and keep good air circulation.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I get a black mold on mine. I asked Aaron Hicks, who has some background in biology, about the problem, and he said that the fungi really like the wood in the sticks, and not to worry, as this has nothing to do with the mix. Bleach not only fixes them up, it gives them a little protection for a while.

[prisana]

I get that on my cym and paphs' sticks and stakes. I think the finer the mix , the more moldy the sitck gets, because of extra moisture and for longer period of time.. even in cool weather..It's not bothering my plant , tho.

[boxerfan]

Thank you all for the information, reassurance and general good news. Lisa