White Hairy Mold on Orchids: Likely Mealybugs, Not Mold

White Cottony Growth on 16 Orchids—Mealybugs, Not Mold

White hairy "mold" on several orchids. Could be mealybugs—they secrete white cottony wax for protection.

Check

• Primarily on leaf undersides? → Mealybugs.
• On mix surface? → Could be mold, but mealybugs also hide there.

Treatment

• Few bugs: wipe with alcohol-soaked Q-tip.
• Many: wipe entire leaves (base to tip) with alcohol-soaked paper towel.
• Check ALL plants—spread fast.
• Repeat weekly until gone.

If not mealybugs (wipe test negative), describe location/appearance for other ID.