White Mold and Webby Growth in Orchid Pots: Overwatering

Fungus in Clear Plastic Pots: Too Wet Conditions

Ann uses clear plastic pots for Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis. White sugary substance in some pots, webby growths when repotting. Bark smells like mushrooms—likely fungus. Asks what it is and if it hurts the plant.

Expert Response

Ann, you need to repot in fresh orchid mix. You're keeping mix too wet. Don't let pots stand in water. Mix is either constantly wet or broken down, restricting airflow. If you let plants dry between waterings, mold won't grow. The "sugary" substance is mold, supported by mushroom smell. Webby growth is fungal mycelia from overly wet mix.