Should I deflask?

[CLStilwell99]

I noticed some fuzzy white stuff on some of the roots in one of my flasks. I was wondering if this is mold? And if so, when I deflask, if I use physan will they be ok?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Can you post a photo. I don't expect it is mold unless the flask has been opened. It is probably roots. (I hope!)

Cheers,
BD

[Moosecakes]

Yes! It could quite possibly be roots!

How long as the flask been sealed? If its been quite some time then it would be difficult for a pathogen to invade the flask. Generally contamination will present itself quite swiftly.

[CLStilwell99]

Ok, I tried taking some pictures. The white stuff looks like tons of little hairs. I've never seen it on any of my orchids. I also noticed some rotted looking plants and some black spots.

[jeffrey6115]

That white fuzz is what happens when the roots grow out of the agar. I have a post on here showing that with my flasks. Every thing else looks normal to me. Yes you may have a plant or two die in flask but your roots look great. I can't explain the dark spots but they don't seem to be causing any trouble.

[CLStilwell99]

Oh, ok. I can stop worrying now. I just hadn't seen that white fuzz in any of my other flasks. The black spots have been in the same spot and about that same size for as long as I can remember. And will the dead plants affect the others at all? Or will they just wither away and that's it?
For the most part, all the leaves and roots look really good though.

[jeffrey6115]

The dead plants didn't seem to affect my flasks. Just keep an eye on it. If there is no change then do be too worried.

[stacey8989]

So what happens if someone opens the flask and mold starts growing about a week later? I cracked open the flask and potted all the plants, but they are all dying one by one. They are turning into squishy rotten mush. The roots are all rotted; I guess I am keeping the seedlings too wet?