Plant project- reviving the flask/seedling project idea

[camille1585]

There are lists created with every project, but seeing how quickly growers stock of plants changes, many of the then valid suggestions are no longer any good...

But if you mean the list I refer to 3 posts higher, some of those suggestions are (somewhere) in a thread, but mostly I have them written down at home.

[greengarden]

No worries. So maybe we need some time frames to get this thing off the ground then. If we can come to a consensus in the next couple of days as far as how people will get their plants then we can move forward.

After that I would suggest a week for people to make suggestions and create a shortlist and then do a simple vote to decide on maybe a top two or three that people could choose from

It sounds like people are keen to do flasks so maybe if we can choose as species or two that are relatively easy for people to get(atleast over there anyway) and that are available in small flasks so people aren't locked in to sharing a flask if it isn't practical for them. Maybe it would be easier for people who are similiarly located to team up if they want to share a flask rather than trying to have one person coordinating the whole thing and sending seedlings everywhere. I have found there to be a lot of variation between plants in flasks in terms of size, etc and this would mean people might be able to have four or five plants each so they get a mix of the bigger and smaller plants in the flask and have a spare or two if one rots or whatever

[camille1585]

Normally the standard projects don't kick off until March, so there's plenty of time.

But if it's a flask project that involves buying from asia, then I'm out. I refuse to buy there, not when there are so many good growers in Europe/US that deserve our business.

Yes it's nicer if everyone can get their own flask in their region, but then we're back to the original problem, times 10. Meaning finding plants available in sufficient quantities, and everywhere.

[greengarden]

I don't think it needs to require buying from asia, people mentioned a few growers that do the shows, etc over there that do small flasks and like I say people might like to team up in smaller groups to share a flask if they want to. I might have to buy from Asia or somewhere in order to get the same species but that doesn't mean you guys have to.

[billc]

I think that if people want to team up they should both/ all be there at the breaking of the flask. To me the whole point of the project would be to introduce yourself to another phase of orchid growing.
I think picking a genera is the way to go. A specific species or hybrid may be difficult for everyone to obtain.

Bill

[orchidsarefun]

growing from a flask or seedling is REALLY a long-term commitment and I personally think that there should be no restriction placed on which plant is selected. It may also be easier logistically for everyone interested in joining the project.
For example I just got a catasetum compot , despite being told that it would be another 5 years to bloom. I have zygo replates - those also might be another 5 years at least ! These 2 are not as popular as other orchids, but should be and also could be if other people gave it a try with a few seedlings.
I got 2 seedlings via an Asian vendor on the cheap just for the experience, but it has inspired me to get into propagation in a big way. At the time it was also a no harm done if I failed decision...

[camille1585]

That's a good idea, to have a general flasking project. We just all decide on a genus, and get whatever we want from there, species or hybrid. I'm liking it!!

[Rowangreen]

Glad you came round to the idea Camille

Might be an idea to start a list of supliers within people's zones so we can start thinking about which genus we'd like?

Here's some I know of:

EU
Roellke

Orchid Flasks

Kirks

Bodens (NB may not be doing flasks at the moment)

Equatorial Plant Company (List on the website is NOT up to date: they do a much greater range.)

Editing to add...

Claessen

And from research I did the other day looking for Phaleanopsis flasks:

Cactus Plaza

USA

Carmela: range of species/hybrids, doritanopsis, $20 per flask
Orchidview (can’t see flasks listed right now, but I believe they sell them…)
Robert Bedard (for experts with deep pockets only!)
HBI: from $25 for a flask of Phal hybrids. Also do ghost orchids!
Big Leaf: from $75 for a large flask of hybrids, $30 for a compot or $20 for a seedling (expensive!)
Meyers Conservatory: $32.50 for flask of 16. Flasks need to be reserved (Shipping might be as little as $10: they will ship in a sterile baggy for immediate potting up)

And just found: Marni Turkel / Stony Point Ceramic Design

[camille1585]

It's not so much that I didn't like the flask idea, I just don't want to spend my money in Asia when local growers need it more. So I'm glad we found a way to make this project workable more locally.

---------- Post added at 07:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 PM ----------

Anyone know if there exists a list of the flask to bloom times per genus? I think it would be good to stick to genera which we don't have to wait 6-8 years to see blooms!

[bballr4567]

Phals would be the best bet then. There have been some flasks from Big Leaf where they have bloomed IN FLASK. They are expensive but the majority of his stuff are his own crosses. Majority of them should bloom from 2-3 years out.