Deflasking Orchid Seedlings

I don't understand why you don't do a Google search using 'deflasking orchid seedling'. I did there are about 20 great hits that are very informative.

 

I would guess it's because he wants firsthand advice.

 

Uh oh. Don't let Chris hear you say that.

 

:>

 

I *heart* nobilior. But I can kill a baby plant faster then you can shoot a beer.

I don't see any harm in asking an orchid growing question on an orchid forum, Clark. It's not a big deal. Sheesh. When we start acting like we can't be bothered answering orchid questions, we start sounding like some of the know-it-all, fuddy duddy, self-important people on that other forum.

 

I'm sorry. Guess it was just a thought incase no on the forum ever unflasked seedings before.

 

LOL, have you had a look at some of the people on this forum? LOL. LOTS of very intellegent and learned orchid growers here.
Anyway, no harm done. I just don't want to hear "google it, dumbass" on this forum.

Unless, of course, the person is truly a dumbass.

 

I don't have much experience with catts, but I think a universal point is to ensure near 100% RH. Seedlings in vitro have always had 100% RH, so they haven't had to develop their ability to regulate respiration. This is why some people grow them in plastic deli containers for a bit. As for the agar question, I think it's a fine dance. Rinse off as much as you can without damaging the plants, as fungus and bacteria will inhabit the agar quickly. The only thing is that you don't want to disturb the roots too much when removing it. I like to use lukewarm tap water at medium pressure. A little agar isn't going to hurt. A lot will, though.

Other than that, I don't really have much in the way of advice. Good luck. Oh... and do I get a seedling for being good?

 

That's not how we roll, Marc. MJ wasn't calling YOU an idiot, but there are plenty that abound.

I can't really help with anything definitive on your deflasking question, because every time I do it, I do it a different way. Sometimes I treat with a fungicide, sometimes not. I've never heard the hardening off theory, but I wonder at its validity. The last thing you want is for a brand spanking new seedling to dry out. And it will in a lickity split. (Technical term, if you don't know the meaning, google it. Bah!)

Bottom line, I've had success keeping a few rules in mind:
1. Use clean hands and instruments
2. Lightly clean the seedlings, and separate them by size. Chuck the runts.
3. Treat with fungicide if you so desire (I've even used peroxide to clean them. It worked.) Caveat: if your flask shows any signs of rot, you will need to treat with fungicide.
4. Pot them in compots with sphag or another suitable medium. (I've also used seedling cell trays with success, as long as each seedling was a good size and had plenty of roots.)
5. Place in shadier area than the adult plant would desire.
6. Keep moist and humid, but not soggy.

Once you have 100 vigorous, healthy nobiliors, do I get one for being good, too?

 

I have deflasked species from bulbos to catts to laelia and have treated them all about the same. Washed off as much of the agar as possible without damaging plants/roots. I never used any fungicide and never hardened them off. I plant them in spag moss and stick them in the a bright shady spot for a few months, never allowing them to dry out, but not keeping them wet either. I have only lost two compots so far and that was due to bush snails/slugs!

I do remember reading about ANTEC LABORATORY who claims they never washed any agar off and planted them straight from flask to compot. I never tried this myself but have heard others that did it with no issues and actually claim better root growth because they are not disturbed during the deflasking process.