Question
Jim,
I have white mold growing on leaves of one of my orchids.
It has spread to another.
It doesnt appear to be killiing them but is is gross and
it messed up blooms.
I can send a picture if you give me an e mail.
Should I toss the two as to not infect my others or
what can I do. The white mold grows only on leaves and blooms.
Not on medium or roots.
Thanks so much
Eric


Answer
Hi Eric,

First, I'd like to apologize for taking so long to get back to you about your question.

What you have on your orchid may not be a white mold at all but mealy bugs.  If you have some isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips, try dipping a Q-tip in the alcohol and wiping the white mold.  If it is a mealybug the white part will disappear and reveal the bug.  Mealybugs are pretty nasty bugs, when there are lots of them they can suck the life from your orchids.  

If they are mealies, you can get rid of them by unpotting the infected plants, remove as much of the potting media from the roots, dip the entire plant into a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water being sure every part is immersed.  Wipe the leaves, allow the plant to dry then repot into fresh new potting media and a new pot.  You do not want to reuse the old pot or media because there may be unhatchted mealybug eggs in them.  

If it isn't mealies, let me know.  Also, if you have a photo of the white mold, send it to [email protected].  Be sure to put "Orchid white mold" on the subject line or I might delete it without opening.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.