Mold Fungus on Orchids
An orchid is a thing of beauty and a flower that many women love to wear as a corsage. The one thing that tarnishes the beauty of any flower is a fungus or a mold. Fungus on the roots or leaves of orchids can cause many problems including rot, yellowing leaves and even death of the plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Black Rot Fungus
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Black rot fungus is an infection that develops on the roots and leaves of orchids. It occurs when a plant is left in standing water or in a rotting growing medium. The infected leaves turn purplish-brown and black and develop soft spots and yellow edges. The infection often spreads to the roots and eventually kills the plant.
Root Rot Fungus
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Root rot fungus causes an infected orchid plant to loses its vitality when brown and black blotches appear on the roots. The leaves turn yellow and droopy and the plant looks stunted and gnarled. If left unattended, the plant will eventually die.
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Leaf Spot Fungus
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Leaf spot fungus affects injured leaves of an orchid plant. Yellow mold appears on the underside of the leaves. It then spreads to the tops of the leaves and develops into round, brown spots. The infected leaves shrivel and drop off of the plant.
Treatments
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Treat orchid fugal infections by cutting off the damaged leaves, rotted roots and infected areas on the plant. Sterilize the tools between cuts. Re-pot plants in new potting material and plant in new sterile pots. Saturate each plant with a fungicide. Water moderately and isolate the plants until they dry.
Prevention/Solution
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To prevent fungus from forming on your orchids, do not over water your plants. Keep the air circulating by opening a window or using a fan. Check the growing medium and change it if there is any sign of decay. Treat plant fungus promptly to keep infection from spreading.
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References
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