Acclimating flaskings with the agar still intact? - Orchid Board

Auger · #1 (**permalink**) 04-14-2009, 04:45 PM

Hi, I got 3 flasks from Monsoon Flora, and they shipped it deflasked. I already compotted one flask, and haven't gotten to the other 2. I started wondering, can I just leave the seedlings in the agar (which is intact) and acclimate them that way, then in a few weeks pot them normally. Has anybody tried this?

John D. · #2 (**permalink**) 04-14-2009, 05:12 PM

There are some folks who put the agar into compot with the seedlings so as not to disturb the roots. Down side is that it can dry or get moldy depending on your conditions. I usually remove as much as I can.

gixrj18 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009, 12:00 AM

It's better to remove it....as John said, it harbors mold and fungus really easily.

RoyalOrchids · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009, 03:38 PM

I agree. Small amounts will just dry up, but bigger chunks can get some bad stuff started.

gixrj18 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I agree. Small amounts will just dry up, but bigger chunks can get some bad stuff started.

Love the avatar, Royal.

RoyalOrchids · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2009, 04:56 PM

Thanks! I try to act smart, but this one is probably closer to my real personality. Mmmm... Beer.

Pseudo-Scientist · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 09:14 PM

On that note, I need to deflask some beltillas, and am wondering what to do.
They sure aren't going straight in the garden, but I'm wondering what media to use. I'd really like to use sphagnum, but am worried they won't transition into the garden next season. I have access to a bog with live sphagnum, and was am thinking of using that.

Live Sphag has amazing growth properties, but it could be infected with all sorts of microbes. Otherwise, its my typical sandy terrestrial mix. Any thoughts?

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 09:59 PM

To my knowledge, Bletillas are generally not bog plants.

I would think that if you deflasked your Bletillas, they'd be ready to go into a compot with potting soil.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009, 10:04 PM

I also advise against using the live sphagnum from the surrounding bog in your area. It carries possible pathogens. There's also the issue of keeping your Bletillas too wet causing tuber rot.

If you have terrestrial orchids that grow in bogs and would like to use your native moss, you MUST sterilize it. Usually people boil it.

I forgot to mention, many Bletillas from what I gather are woodland plants.

RoyalOrchids · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

To my knowledge, Bletillas are generally not bog plants.

I would think that if you deflasked your Bletillas, they'd be ready to go into a compot with potting soil.

I agree. They prefer good drainage, and are even pretty drought tolerant when mature. Go with a terrestrial mix or even just good soil with a little pearlite.