Minimum Requirements for Flask Sterility - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Des · #11 02-21-2008, 04:06 PM

Korxi-Thats more or less how I do mine and so far no problems.And I thought my Idea was so original.Goes to show there is nothing new under the Sun

ochid_nut · #12 02-21-2008, 07:44 PM

Hello!
Phalguy left a post here thats great. The instructions are clear and its so easy to do!! I tried it out and i have no mold in the 15 flasks that i've started. Here's a link... http://www.orchidboard.com/node/86 Hope it helps, stay in touch....
Ochid_nut

Orchidaholic · #13 02-23-2008, 12:42 AM

The Oddest sterile environment I have seen in online research was sowing over boiling water. In experimentation it's worth a try for atleast a flask or 2. It's about 1/2 way down the page.Lotte & Thomas Orchids

ochid_nut · #14 02-23-2008, 05:46 PM

Hey!
I sew all my seeds over boiling water. You have to be careful because you have to open your flasks and add the seeds in the steam so you risk a burn. However, out of the 22 flasks that i've now started i've only had 1 thats been contaminated. It works quite well. Just be sure to have a cup of bleach around so you can sterilize any tools used in the bleach and then hold in the steam for a few seconds. Good luck!
Preya

Royal · #15 02-25-2008, 09:49 AM

WOW! Thanks everyone for sharing all of your great ideas. All of the ingenuity here has really impressed me!

The steam-bath method at the lotte & thomas site is kind of why I started this thread. It looked like a lot less fuss than clumsy kitchen gloves taped to a plastic crate!

Over the weekend I couldn't stand my own curiosity, and did a little steam bath mother flasking experiment. I used a green capsule that was probably too immature, but like I said, I couldn't stand it. There are quite a few more seed capsules maturing (so no loss if they don't germinate), and the real experiment is to watch for contamination. I took a few photos that I'll post here soon. Nothing really exciting -- just a pot of water and a baker's cooling rack.

Thanks again, and keep the replies coming!

newflasker · #16 02-25-2008, 03:47 PM

If you want to use steam-bath technique there is a tip for you, RoyalOrchids. You may like it: put a screen on the rack to dispense hot steam around not concentrate in one place so you don't get burn. Cheers.

Orchidaholic · #17 02-26-2008, 12:54 AM

RoyalOrchids, Glad to be of service! Thats what we're all here for, to help one another!!!
Newflasker, what part of VA are you in and are you part of any of the societies around here? I'm a current member of TOS(Tidewater Orchid Society).

newflasker · #18 02-26-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchidaholic

Newflasker, what part of VA are you in and are you part of any of the societies around here? I'm a current member of TOS(Tidewater Orchid Society).

Hi Orchidaholic,
I live in Fairfax, Northern VA. I hope I live near Norfolk so I join TOS, have a lot of space to grow orchids and go fishing all summer. hihihi.

Royal · #19 02-26-2008, 09:19 AM

Although I now live in Texas, I grew up in Alexandria, VA -- right next to Fairfax. Growing up, I played hockey in Fairfax. What a coincidence! Small world!

Orchidaholic · #20 02-26-2008, 10:42 PM

Small world indeed!
Newflasker, there is probably a society near you. There are several in VA. For a state with the most native orchid species in the US we should have the most societies too right!!! Here's a list of north american orchid societies for ya. I think Hollins Hills OS or Lord Fairfax OS would be closest to you but not sure.
The Orchid Mall - Orchid Societies