Question
Hi Jim,
I recently purchased an Orchid from the Home Depot. I do not know what kind it is- its dark pink and white. I planted it in a terrarium, and after 4 days have spotted a white fuzzy mold growing on the root. It seems to be in places where the plant was broken only at this point. I抦 not too sure what to do- I have read you抮e suggesting repotting another woman抯 plant, but this seems to be a different kind of mold. If that is the remedy, do I cut away the mold before repotting?

Thank you for your help,
Kim


Answer
Hello Kim,

Golly, people read what I wrote?  (grin)  

Too bad you don't know what kind of orchid you bought at Home Depot but most of the orchids they sell don't have name tags on them - unfortunately.  

With that said, there are a few orchids which have what might appear to be fuzz on their roots, yours may be one of them.  Have you tried to see if you can remove some or all of the mold by wiping it with a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol?  If it easily comes off, take a look to see if you can see a tiny insect in the mold.  If there is an insect present, that would mean you have the start of a mealybug infestation.  If there is no insect, then it probably is a mold.  

Does the terrarium have a fan running 24 hours/7 days?  If not, the mold may be growing due to inadequate air circulation in it.  Orchids need some light gentle air movement around them to grow healthily.  

Again, if it is a mold, I would suggest removing the affected root and repot into fresh potting media.  While you are doing this, inspect the rest of the roots for evidence of mold.  Also check the leaves, especially the underside, for anything that doesn't look right.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck with it.  If you have other questions or would like more information about the above, write back and I'll try to answer them.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.