Deflasking the Ghost (Polyrrhiza)

[Undergrounder]

So i deflasked my flask of ghosts today, i'll keep this thread updated as things go on and hopefully together we can make these things happy!

I managed to untangle the fierce knot of ghosts into roughly 50 plants with two or more roots growing from a central point, and about 30 tiny plants, protocorms or single legs.




(above: The larger plants, the smaller ones were replated)

The smallest plants and protocorms i replated back onto media... wasn't 100% with the sterile process on this, so expecting the flasks could become contaminated, but hoping not. Will watch out for contams...



The largest 50 or so plants i split into four groups of 12-13, and put them in these spanish moss burritos. The moss is stuffed flat along the back of the plastic mesh burrito and the ghosts are laid on top.



The idea for the moss is that it has minimum contact points with the orchids to minimise built-up moisture, while also providing plenty of boyant humidity. The living moss i'm hoping will also have anti-mould properties. And finally the plastic mesh and moss can be cut away eventually to mount the plants onto wood when they're bigger and closer to flowering.



The burritos i put in a tray, gave a mist and hung from the side of the aquarium i use as an orchid humidicrib. The humidity stays around 100%, is warmed slightly by the fluoro light, and gets good air movement from the small fan at the back.



It's a weird setup, but i think it will work as long as i keep up the humidity, air movement, high light, and occasional misting.

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[Ray]

Actually, I though they preferred NO air movement (?)

[Undergrounder]

as far as i can tell that's either a myth, a mistake, or a simplification... No air movement = mould in this tiny setup i have, and no orchids like mould. a little movement in 100% humidity would be a necessity in my opinion. Even in nature a foot above a stagnant swamp there is a thousand times the air movement of my tiny aquarium. In what possible way could air movement be a bad thing? only in low humidity, where air movement dessicates a plant... so in that sense they would want no air movement, but that's relative.

In this particular setup im shooting for maximum humidity, minimum watering, and so that requires more air than say a greenhouse 70% culture, daily misting where sure, a little direct wind might be detrimental. In 100% humidity there would be no possibility of desssicating the plant.

P.S. We're talking a gentle wafting by that fan by the way, its just stirs things up a bit.

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[gixrj18]

Good luck! Mine are doing great outside, and it's been pretty windy lately.

[Undergrounder]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

Good luck! Mine are doing great outside, and it's been pretty windy lately.

thanks gix! yeah your posts were one reason out of quite a few different experiences that led me to putting in a bit of movement, and also not babying them too much

[gixrj18]

You have enough of them, that it would probably beneficial to split them up a little....and try some different things. You can afford to experiment a little more than most. You might discover something!

[martinvermillion]

Good work there! I checked out the ghost deflasking article by Jim Watts. He made it look easy. Really like the spag and plastic mesh. Good thinking! This makes me want to give it a spin. I can't take any longer I'm telling you. This is some good stuff think I'll work on my set-up today. Am positive after looking at you're very nice work I'll be able to handle this too!! Do flask ship o.k.? Worried about shipping from far away places. Please keep us posted on these guys. THANKS for sharing this useful info. with me.-Martin

[Undergrounder]

you're right about the experimentation gix, im a bit limited on space though, with more Phalaenopsis coming soon. Im following the progress of another aussie i know who is experimenting with different mounts (here).. Also with mine, one think im interested in is whether the replated ones take to the new flasks, and whether they continue to multiply on them

martin: thanks, i think flasked ones should send OK, one important thing though, the 'moss' in the mesh isn't sphag, its spanish moss, a type of bromeliad. Some people reccommend against using Sphag because it stays too wet, whereas the spanish moss stays bouncy and airy, and spanish moss grows naturally in Florida anyway.

[martinvermillion]

Keep me lined out here. Something so simple could mess up my plan!! How big is a 600 (brain fart) gram or mg. flask? One big problem with me is messing with things too much.

[craigo12]

hey undergrounder
where did you get your flask from
i just ordered some from woolf orchids
craigo12