White Fungus ?

[Mick Gooch]

I think I might have fungal problems. I have several pots with small white "eggs/spores" and a fine spidery web. I had two with a vivid orangy phalic fungi fruit about 2-3 cms. These globes are in the media and seem to be associated with bark only pots with a finer media - 1 cm. Pots with perlite and hydroton expanded clay seem unaffected. Certainly the better drainage would help. We are experiencing real fungus weather at the moment. I don't think it is a bug ? Can anybody help identify it for me. Thanks Mick

[bench72]

Could be fungus or could be eggs... like spider eggs... if it's the former, then a fungicide will obviously do the trick, but if it's spider eggs... well I guess unless you don't like creepy crawlies, I don't think they hurt the plants.

course, I could be way off track, better wait till you get a 2nd third or heck, hopefully we get a few more experts to chime in.

[Gin]

If it does not need to be re potted I would pour dilute Physan or Peroxcide thru it can use straight Peroxcide or dilute it a little depending on how sensitive the plant it . The best cure is to re-pot it cleaning the roots with dilute Physan . Should get rid of what ever it is . Might be snow mold . Gin

[ischel1]

Sounds like a question for our forum "mycologist".

[Becca]

Mick, I have seen something similar to what you have described, but my eggs where clear and very small and appeared to be on a fine web also, almost made me think of thin strands of a fiber material, like strands of a carpet almost? I thought at first it was sap droplets, but then I realized it was only in the medium, and the only medium I have found it in is my PrimeAgra. I figured it wasn't a fungus so I treated with insecticidal soap last week, I haven't checked to see if it came back yet. If I were you I wouldn't take any chances! I hope mine doesn't develop into what you have....yuck!

[wetfeet101b]

During very humid weather, some of my orchid pots that have more "compact" medium exhibit those growths similar to the third picture.
At first I thought they were insect eggs, but they turn out to be fungal colonies.
I use Physan 20 on minor cases, and for major infestation I repot the plant and discard the old potting mix. To be safe, I spread the old potting mix in a tray, spray Physan 20 and then let it bake in the sun - this is just a precaution to make sure the fungus does not spread into my compost heap.

[Mick Gooch]

Well, it is reassuring to know it may be a fungus, I have repotted the affected plants and used a weak chlorine solution on them. I have yet to find Physan here in Australia. It was common years ago but I will hunt anew. If what I have is indeed the sporangium and mycelium of a fungi - it's history.

Thanks you all for your experiences - much appreciated !