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silly question time from a newby guy.

Discussion in 'Everything Else Orchid' started by robby jones, Oct 19, 2016.

  1. Oct 19, 2016 #1
    robby jones

    robby jones complete newby

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    reading a lot of info on germinating.everyone uses / recomends agar.why is that pleae?
    theres gellatin that does the same thing,its mixed with boiling water so technically theres no germs now...

    just strikes me as odd.it can be bought as standard UNflavoured..

    Someone said add banana and coconut water [in correct proportions] What do these addidtives do please ?

    im going to use the RECOMENDED products.im gradually collecting them now.being a pensioner it takes a little time.

    with steralization.do you bleach the flasks [before germination] to steralize??? i know the seed needs 3% hydrogen poroxide.just the flask steralization is a little unknown as yet..

    TY Robby J
     
  2. Oct 20, 2016 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Having never done my own flasking, I cannot address your question directly, but in addition to agar, I have heard of the use of gelatin, perlite saturated with a liquid nutrient, even saturated paper towels.

    A side comment, boiling water is not necessarily sterile. I'd suggest you use a pressure cooker, to be safe.
     
  3. Oct 20, 2016 #3
    robby jones

    robby jones complete newby

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    TY Ray.
    its all good advice. i wont be doing anything this side of xmas i think.theres so many things i need buy/collect to be ready.but gaining knowledge in the meantime doesnt hurt..cheers robby j
     
  4. Oct 21, 2016 #4
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    Certainly give flasking a try if you would like to, but just so you know, if your interest is more in making hybrids and not necessarily that actual flasking, there are companies that will flask for you for a modest fee (~$40) per pod. Unless you are going to do a lot of flasking, i'm guessing that would be cheaper. However doing the actual flasking appeals to me as well.
     
  5. Oct 22, 2016 #5
    robby jones

    robby jones complete newby

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    TY Dave,
    yes i agree i love the thought of flasking and starting from the bottom upwards with germinating through to [a long way down the track] Hybriding..
    ive bought more than my share a lot of orchids from professional growers n ive just started buying baby orchids in minature pots now the only thing left is what id like to do the most n thats germinating/flasking..You Tube is full of great advice except for cleansing the flasks before adding agar tc etc..i thought i read bleach was used and again after the flask is sealed to purify it then seal it with aluminium foil if i understood it correctly.. BUT with bleach what percentage bleach / sterilized water as a cleaner killer ?? im confused there.

    I was also told sterilize the flasks chemically then steam them just prior to flasking with one of those tv ads kitchen portable steamer?? anyone heard of this please ?
    cheers Robby J
     
  6. Oct 27, 2016 #6
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    I don't know all the way that work to sterilize agar media but personally I would try to get access to an autoclave. Baring that a pressure cooker might work (it basically does the same thing as an autoclave, just not as well). Have you messaged Marni? She might be able to tell you more. She does quite a bit of flasking as I understand it.
     
  7. Oct 27, 2016 #7
    robby jones

    robby jones complete newby

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    yes i actually have messaged Marni and yes she was more than helpfull.its good being in a forum where pros are present n happy to offer suggestions...

    My late mother had a pressure cooker n she did most cooking in the cooker was sundays. i was in school n i was terrified of the cooker..i think thats why im still overly cautious...we no longer have her cooker..