Mickey's Mini Garden -- problem!

[grandall]

We brought back three of these and I haven't done anything to them except put them on my windowsill. Two of them are doing OK, but the third (venus flytrap) looks like it is growing mold inside? Is that possible? Should I open it up and try to transplant it even though it's still really small? TIA for your help!

 

[grandall]

Bump. Anyone with a green thumb out there to help? Tia!

 

[ajpa]

I don't know about venus flytraps but there looks like there is a lot of info on this site: flytrapcare.com

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

I had started a thread about the Mini Gardens a while back and there was much discussion about the types of plants available. At one point during the discussion, someone mentioned the Venus Flytraps being difficult to grow and care for. That probably doesn't have anything to do with your mold issue, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

As for the mold, I'd be surprised if that is what's growing in there. Maybe you got one that wasn't sealed as well as it should be....? I got the impression that those little containers were sealed carefully and in a somewhat sterile environment at EPCOT. I was pretty scared of transplanting mine after reading the instructions about not opening it until you're reading to plant, using sterile soil and using the bag to create a greenhouse-effect. I transplanted mine (not a venus flytrap) just a couple of weeks after getting it home. It was still very small but I followed the instructions to the letter, and it did great. Still is, over a year later! (My favorite WDW souvenir!) Rinsing the gel off the roots was the most delicate, scariest part for me. I would guess that the mold (if that's what it is on yours) wouldn't hurt the plant, but I guess I'd go ahead with planting it if you're concerned. I'm no expert, just guessing and providing a little moral support! Hope it goes well for you!!

 

[grandall]

Thanks CapnJack. That was helpful. I will try to post a photo later. Very busy day today. Anyone else?

 

[metzgardesign]

Thanks CapnJack. That was helpful. I will try to post a photo later. Very busy day today. Anyone else?

Yep.....rather busy day here, as well.

Wait.....that's probably not what you were asking, was it?

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I didn't get the mini garden but have had 2 venus flytraps at my house. I followed the instructions on www.flytrapcare.com that the other poster recommended.

I would open the mini garden up because if it's mold or not, something is wrong and the plant will die for sure if you don't try something.

I had one of them live for 3 years. That one I used more of a sand type potting soil and I made sure I encouraged flies to it by catching them and basically giving the flytrap the live fly.

When I watered it, I used water that I kept in a bottle under the sink so it wasn't fresh from the tap and I watered it by putting the water into the little bowl I used to keep the pot in rather than watering the plant from above.

Good luck.

 

[grandall]

Yes, I'm pretty sure what's growing inside isn't mold but bacteria. It's white. It makes sense -- it's like one of those petri dishes I had in high school. I'm going to our garden center tomorrow to see if I can find some peat moss. I will transplant tomorrow. Wish me luck!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Mold can be a lot of different colors so white doesn't necessarily mean bacteria. Mold can be white, yellow, blue, green...I've even see orange and red.

At this point, I'd say there's definitely a contaminent in the system, and that's what you need to get rid of. Can you open it and leave it in the gel while getting whatever this white stuff is out? I'd start there.

 

[grandall]

Ok, took it to our garden center. The guy there said it was probably a fungus. I bought an organic potting soil with peat moss and perlite. I just replanted it. Don't have much hope, though. Need some venus flytrap pixie dust everyone. Thanks!