Question
I have a lot (16) of orchids and love them, however what do I do for a white hairy
looking mold growing on a few of them???

Answer
Hello Beth,

Are you sure it is white mold and not something else?  The reason I ask is because it could be mealybugs rather than a mold.  Mealybugs produce a white cottony looking protective cover over themselves to help protect them from predators as they feed on the plant.  If they are primarily on the leaves, especially the underside, it probably is mealybugs.  

For only a few, you can try wiping them off with a Q-tip dipped in isoproply alcohol.  For a larger infestation, you can try using a paper towel wetted with the alcohol and wiping the entire leaf starting at the base and wiping towards the tip.  

Be sure to check all the leaves because if you see one mealybug there probably are others hiding under them.  

Hope this helps you get rid of them but if they are not mealybugs, write back and I'll explore other possibilities.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.