Whats in my newly sprouted Sarracenia seedlings?

[jcustance]

Hi, Not sure what is happening in my seed pot (top right corner), but it seems to be spreading. I tried spraying a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution incase it was mold, but the has not helped.

Any advise/guidance is appreciated

thanks
Jeff

 

[Lloyd Gordon]

It's hard to tell from the picture (the light seems purplish). A combination of algae, bacteria, fungus, slime moulds and maybe some thalli. Not really toxic but not great for optimal growth in the long run. I tend to pick up the growth with a forceps (tedious) leaving the peaty medium behind. Or you can repot the seeds and seedlings. It doesn't grow on every pot but is hard to avoid entirely.

 

[jcustance]

Thanks Lloyd, I'll try taking another picture under natural light. We dont mind repotting the seeds/seedlings if that gives them the best chance. Could a lack of airflow cause some of these issues? Understanding what is happening will help us learn and setup a better growing environment

 

[Lloyd Gordon]

There may be ways to avoid the "gunk". Some people suggest sterilizing the medium (tedious and smelly) or using various biocides or varying ventilation, humidity, watering schedules, etc. I find it doesn't happen all that often. When it does happen, it seems easier to just deal with it than prevent. My "method" is to keep my grow areas reasonably clean and organized allowing a certain degree of ventilation according to the plants involved. You will find that certain species are happiest with certain ranges of environmental variables which will vary according to your local conditions. Eventually the gunk and similar problems will become less of a problem.

 

[levs_denis]

Sulfur mixed with spray water is non-destructive on carnivorous plants and effective against mold. Of course, your water needs to be treated against salts, so osmosis water is ideal.