Moldy Potting Mix

[orchidaddict789]

I was about to use my bark mix on a repotted orchid when I noticed it was moldy. The mold isn't that apparent--not like all white and fuzzy and thick--but it is there. It looks like as if the bark has been rolled in cobwebs (quite disgusting, isn't it?). I bought the whole pack in January and kept it sealed and now, it's moldy! I've hardly used the bark at all. Any way to make it useable, or is the trash can the only choice?

[TundraKev]

I've had that happen with new bark. If it's even slightly moist and in a sealed bag the mold grows. I always use it and have never had a problem. It seems once it hits the air, the mold goes away.

If you're really paranoid about using it, dump it in a metal pan and stick it in the oven on a low temp - maybe 200 or so for awhile. I just did that today with some bark I wanted to dry out. It worked great. No smell at the low temps either.

[Orchidzrule]

Lily,

Skittles's suggestion about baking it in the oven should be all you need to do. I certainly would not throw it out. Another thing you could do is pour boiling water over it. I usually do this to any bark I use because I was told that occasionally there can be eggs of pests (pests who like to munch on orchid roots!) present in bark.

Cheers,

R2D2