Mold and Fungus? on Phal Roots

[gretamarie613]

Hi All,

So I am a newbie orchid owner, I have owned my phalaenopsis for about 9 months. The plant seems healthy, frequently growing new leaves and stalks, but the roots around the base of the plant seem to have some mold and maybe fungus growth on them. Most of them look either shriveled and dry or brownish and slimy, some with fuzzy patches (I'm assuming its mold) on the undersides. I have read a few other posts regarding similar dilemmas, but I am not sure how to treat the problem, whether I should use some sort of fungicide, or simply remove the roots that look shriveled or moldy.

Thank You
-Greta

[mayres]

I don't see anything unusual from the picture you have provided. Phals will commonly have a certain amount of root shrivel as they aclimate to a new environment from where they were grown for sale - usually from a high humidity environment to a medium or low one. When you repot you can remove the dried portions - otherwise just leave them for the time being - no problem. I wouldn't worry about your plant unless there is something I am not seeing.......

[gretamarie613]

Well there is also some fuzzy mold on a couple of the roots, should I do anything about that or is that normal as well?

Thank You!

[mayres]

Have never noted anything like that before. White or black? If you are talking about on arial roots you could just dip in hydrogen peroxide and wipe with a qtip possibly? Maybe someone else here will have some ideas? Has it been awhile since you changed media (if ever)? Another option might be to repot with fresh media and rinse the roots really well with running water? As you can tell I'm reaching a little and just noting some things that I might try myself. good luck - mike

[arleneg]

Like Mike, I don't see anything unusual on the pic. However, if you think it's fuzzy white mold, treat with hydrogen peroxide. If the the mold is away from the crown, pour some hydrogen peroxide on the root(s). You could wipe it off with a Qtip if you like, but don't have to and just let dry. If mold is near the crown, then wet Qtip and wipe off mold from root. Repeat either one, every few days, until no more mold shows up.

If you see fungus (white and looks like tiny eggs) on the roots, then treat with fungicide. I've used Physan 20 and Indoor Pharm Solution (not used together though...I use whichever is within reach ). Both works. You just need to repeat according to directions on label until the fungus is brown/dark brown. Make sure you check the potting mix, too. Sometimes, the fungus is present there too. In that case, it's easier to repot. Just don't forget to treat the roots with fungicide first before placing in new potting mix.

To prevent any more fungus or mold, make sure you have ample air circulation where you orchid is.

You might also be seeing mealy bug. They look cottony and hide in the crevices of the plant, in the roots, the underside of the leaves, and even in the buds. I find a systemic works best for them. Alcohol on the end of a Q tip will disolve them, but even though you get all that you see above the ground, there may be eggs in the soil that soon hatch and become adults, so you must keep vigilant.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Kind of looks like it could be mealie bugs at the base of the plant on the roots. Prod them and see if the move a bit. Mealies don't like to be prodded. Bayer Tree and Shrub mixed 2 Tablesoons to a gallon and sprayed on the plant and poured thru the pot should do the job, but it will take a few days to kill them. Unfortunately, mealies live in the mix sucking on the roots if the plant is potted in a course mix, so a systemic is needed like the imidacloprid in the Tree & Shrub.