Orchid Culture - Questions & Answers from This Month
by Sue Bottom, from the St. Augustine Orchid Society Newsletter. Email us with any orchid question. If we can't answer it, we'll find someone who can! Send photographs too!
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Little White Balls in Media
Q. I just found this in two areas in a small 5" pot of Orchiata. It doesn't look quite like the snow mold I've had before,more like tiny eggs or is it snow mold?A. I don't think that's snow mold, maybe spider eggs or some other kind of eggs. I'd repot it just the same as if it were snow mold so you don't have a population explosion on your hands! (Nov-25)
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Brown Markings on Maudiae Paphs
Q. My Maudiae-type Paphs get these brown markings that cripples the leaves and the flower stem while it is developing. Please help.A. If I had to guess, I'd guess Erwinia, a bacterial infection. You might think of applying some copper sprays to your paphs. (Nov-25)
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Little Tan Balls at Base of Plant
Q. What are these little balls that are all over the base and roots of my vanda. I have two plants that have been affected. Leaves rotting and falling off at the base recently. All orchids are routinely treated for fungus.A. That vanda looks like it is infected with Southern Blight, a disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. The main symptom of Southern blight is a rapid collapse and rotting of the roots, stems and lower parts of the leaves. The disease eventually girdles and destroys the entire basal portion of the plant. Affected leaves yellow, wilt and die. The small yellow or tan sclerotia resemble mustard seeds on the affected tissue. This is the resting form of the fungus. Unless the plant is very valuable to you, discard it and disinfect the surrounding area with bleach. Some of the expensive Frac 7/11 fungicides are reported to be fairly effective, but this plant is probably beyond saving. (Nov-25)