Pest eggs or fungus?

[arleneg]

As I was checking the potting medium of my orchids this morning, I discovered that one of my Onc has this white stuff on the roots (old or rotting). I repotted this one earlier this year. (Oh, this Onc does have healthy roots...just didn't get them in the picture.)

Should I repot? Will it stress my Onc? Or, should I just spray with fungicide or insecticide? This is my first incidence of this type. And, yes, I immediately separated this from my other Onc/Milt area.

[Ellen]

From what I can see in the pictures, it looks like some sort of mold or fungus to me.

[Joaniep]

Perhaps this could be excess mineral salts that just need thorough flushing with water.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I've seen this before in bark mixes too. Since I don't grow in bark, I don't see it very often. My recollection is that when I saw it, it was in mix that may not have been very good, maybe partially rotten, but can't say for sure. I think it is fungal, but won't rule out insect eggs, just don't know what insect it could be. Spiders?

[arleneg]

Sorry, if the picture isn't that great. Somehow, my instinct tells me they're some type of insect eggs. I recall seeing some fly-looking bug (about the size of a gnat) flying around a few weeks back. At any rate, I sprayed the exposed roots with Indoor Pharm Solution (fungicide/miticide/insecticide). They look dead now. Since I didn't have time to repot before Thanksgiving and today, I plan on repotting tomorrow. I hope it won't stress out my Onc.

If anyone can give any other clues to what that white stuff could be, please post. It will be good reference in the future.

Thanks.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

Hi, I've encountered this before in some Paphs I ordered once, it looked sort of fungus like, like something chalky got wet & melted, but when I examined it under a microscope to see if it was insect eggs, it appeared to be the same kind of fungus that mushrooms produce, which is what the tiny "eggs' shapes are. it maybe a sign of too much acid in your water or orchid mix. a fungicide killed it no problem.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

The orchid mix your using is either past due for repotting, or wasn't sterilized correctly before it was bagged up. I sterilize all my potting mix in a good soaking of RD-20 (like Physan20) disinfectant before I use it. detours root rot after cutting & potting too.

[arleneg]

Daniel,

Thanks for your post. How long do you soak the potting mix for?

[Daniel S. Barrett]

I use RD-20, 1Tbs/gallon of water, I also add a small squirt of dish detergent to the water as a wetting agent, & I usually let it soak for a minimum of 30 mins for fine bark, & for moss, about 10-15 minutes..let it soak twice as long for larger bark grades. Remember to wear chemical resistant gloves and follow label directions completely!

[arleneg]

Hi Daniel,

It's me with another question. What kind of dish detergent do you use? I'm wondering if all dish detergents are the same.

Thanks, again.

[Daniel S. Barrett]

Hi Arlene,
I've used probably every kind of dish detergent out there, and to me they're all about the same, except for color & smell! what I use is plain ol' DAWN, works for me!

[arleneg]

Thanks, Daniel. I'll have to test that out.