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Should I be concerned with this white stuff?

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by ben82, Feb 11, 2020.

  1. Feb 11, 2020 #1
    ben82

    ben82 New Member

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    Hello I’m very new here and taking care of orchids so I don’t have a lot of knowledge. I bought an mini phal orchid at the store recently and when I looked at the soil closer, I found white substance on the soil. It’s just limited to the soil. I’m not sure if it’s fungus or mold and I couldn’t really find any definite answers online I was happy with.
    Everything else looks healthy besides the fact that the plant needs a larger container. I was wondering what the white substance is and if I should be concerned with it. How should I deal with it if it is a problem? Thanks!
    Imgur: The magic of the Internet
    Imgur: The magic of the Internet
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  2. Feb 11, 2020 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    What you have there is a plant that is quite overdue for repotting. The white stuff may simply be mold growing on the decomposing medium. I suggest the following:
    1. Submerge the root ball in tepid water for about 30 minutes or so.
    2. Carefully remove as much of the old potting medium as you can, avoiding breaking the roots. (You WILL do so, but try to limit it.)
    3. Trim away any obviously dead or rotting roots.
    4. Select a potting medium that will hold moisture while staying open and airy. This is critical for success.
    5. Pot it up in a larger pot, maybe even as much as double the current diameter.
    6. Water it in well and keep it warm and in indirect light.