Deflasking Phal seedlings in to spaghnum moss

[OzPhal]

G'day Folks, I was wondering if you could help me? I recently deflasked some Phalaenopsis lobbii seedlings in to spaghnum moss. I've got them in a heated growing tray between 23oC - 27oC. Humidity is high as there is plenty of condensation but I don't yet have a humidity meter to know its exact value... I'm wondering though how wet should the moss be? Should I mist the moss/seedlings daily? I saw some fibres of mould today so I sprayed with mancozeb and opened a vent a little but I don't want it to be too dry and similarly I don't want it too wet...

[RosieC]

Can't help I'm afraid but just giving a bump

[Wjs2nd]

I kept some seedling to humid and they died. If you have a very humid area to keep them, I would suggest switching over to seedling bark. Also, consider adding a small fan or venting the grow area for a little bit once a day to help bring down the humidity some.

I never deflasked anything, but I do grow many very small phal seedlings in sphagnum moss. I let the moss to dry out before next watering, because I believe that keeping it always moist will cause the root rot.
My seedlings are potted into small clay pots and now in low humidity they dry out averagely after 3 days depending on each individual root system. However I don't let them stay dry, so I check every pot everyday and water only those that require watering.

[OzPhal]

Thanks for your replies everybody, and thanks Rosie for the bump...

Orchideya - how do you water yours? do you mist them surface of the sphag or do you give them a good soaking from the top or sit them in a tray of water?

Originally Posted by orchideya

My seedlings are potted into small clay pots and now in low humidity they dry out averagely after 3 days depending on each individual root system. However I don't let them stay dry, so I check every pot everyday and water only those that require watering.

Originally Posted by OzPhal

Orchideya - how do you water yours? do you mist them surface of the sphag or do you give them a good soaking from the top or sit them in a tray of water?

I hold the clay pot in my hand closing the bottom drainage hole with my finger, put it under running tap water until pot fills up, wait couple seconds, then open drainage hole to let the water run out. I make sure that water is lukewarm and that it doesn't get on the leaves.
I wait until moss is crusty dry before watering again.

[keithrs]

I water from the bottom and allow the moss to soak up about 4 oz of water per flat twice a week. If you only have a couple compots, you can dip the bottom of the pot a 1/4" or so in water or what ever you water with for a min. and allow to drain. This keeps the crown from getting wet.

Also pack your moss loosely.... And I would look at getting Companion or some sort of bacterial fungicide...

[OzPhal]

Thanks everybody for your feedback - it seems bottom watering is the way to go with the compot at this stage and maybe your suggestion orchideya for the larger seedlings...

I'm trying to source a bactericide here in australia at the moment as i think i have some wet rot on some of the leaves which could be Pseudomonas spp

[keithrs]

Subculture B, Plant Success Soluble are a few. If you make a tea out of them you'll extend your supply.

Worm tea works too. Apply once a week.