So ... what IS this creepy looking stuff?

[Muse]

Hi! Thanks for checking out my situation!

I am new to orchids in general, and this is my first post, so please go easy on me! I have had a white Phalaenopsis for just a few months now. She was flowering when I bought her a few months ago and after the blooms faded, I cut the stem just above a node, as was described in a book from the library. After visiting a renown New England greenhouse, I was advised to use "MSU Orchid Fertilizer by Green Care: Pure Water Special." Wow! It has made a HUGE difference! I have a robust new leaf growing, my previously cut stem is trying to re-flower, and best of all, I'm growing a new spike! Great!

So what is the problem? Well,I just noticed it this morning -- a creepy white "hair-like" fuzz is growing on one of the roots! I have included a photo in this post, but to further describe: it is about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, soft white hairy stuff. I haven't touched it, but I know it's soft because I gently blew on it and it moved about (while remaining anchored) easily. It kind of makes my root look like a prickly caterpillar. It appears to be just on the single root. I have never seen any mold or bugs on my plant before. I last watered/fertilized the roots three days ago, as I do every ten-ish days. What is happening to my beloved orchid? And what should I do to remedy it?

Help! This stuff is creeping me the heck out!
Thanks for taking the time to respond!

Most sincerely,
Muse

[RebelCowgirl]

Wow this is creepy!!! Welcome to the fourm. I can't really help you but there are tons of geeks on there that can.

[switchblade]

hmmm i have seen that on 1 of mine recently thought it may be a seed pod from a weed or something

[FLBob]

The root with the white hairy stuff appears to be a dead root, I'd take a sharp knife to it and remove it.

[Ray]

I agree with Bob. Mold growing on dead roots.

When was it last repotted?

[Muse]

Hi guys and thanks for your quick responses!

I am not sure when it was last repotted, as I just purchased it in May or June, and have not repotted since my initial purchase from a local greenhouse.

So we're thinking it is a mold and I should cut it out? Hmm. Seems reasonable, particularly if you guys think this stuff looks as creepy as I do. You would know far better than me.

(I was secretly hoping it was some kind of seedling, like switchblade said!)


Edit: spelling

[ArtGeekMark]

I saw this same thing growing on a mum & a african violet yesterday at work, quickly quarantined them... have yet to look it up though I was at the dentist most of today (joy oh joy).

[orchidaddict789]

Looks like mold. I get all sorts of white fuzzy mold on roots and even bark when the weather's really wet. Also, I see a lot of dead roots (roots that are hollow, peeling away, etc). I hope the plant has good roots below the surface of the media.

[terra_australis]

The white things are the fruiting bodies of a fungus. This suggests the root is dead and may be staying too damp. I would investigate the mix to check it is draining well enough.