When to deflask???

[jaxorchidman]

Got this flask about a week ago. I have found a lot of good info in the archives about how to de-flask, but I have not found out when to. It appears that there are plenty of roots growing and the leaves are touching the top of the flask itself. Can someone please shed a little light on this for me?? Thanks so much.

The flask is Lc. Gold Digger X L. tenebrosa

[Jerry Delaney]

If it were mine, I think I would unflask it now. Especially so if the flask was shipped to you.

[RoyalOrchids]

When to deflask is really more of a preference. Ideally, one would want to grow them as large as possible in the flask and take them out when they are at their peak growth. If you wait to long they run out of food and growth slows. As long as they are green, healthy, and growing well I'd leave them. As soon as they look like they've run out of space or nutrients it's time to deflask or replate.

It's hard to tell in those small pics, but it looks nice and full. Ruben grows them nicely, huh?

[stefpix]

doesnt shipping messes up the flask and agar gets on the leaves and growth? read somewhere it is best to deflask as soon as you receive a flask by mail.

[jaxorchidman]

Yes these are from Ruben!! I received them at a society meeting so they were not shipped by mail. Going to deflask this weekend. I'll send pics after.

Royal- how did you know these were from Ruben???

[RoyalOrchids]

Stef, Sometimes they get jumbled but occasionally they travel well if the media is on the stiffer side. It is usually best to deflask immediately if they are jumbled.

Joshua, I've purchased flasks from him before. I recognized his flask, and cross. I'm an orchid junkie, what can I say?