When orchid seedlings are deflasked, there are always a few premature babies (orchid babies they are.. .
) that are too small to be potted for further growth.
Here are a few premature babies that I am caring for now. ..
- Pot. Congaree 'Mendenhall' (x self. photo 1)
- Phalaenopsis (dark pink x light pink, photo 2)
- Paph. venustum (from purchased flask, photo 3 & 4)
The Pot. Congaree and the Phalaenopsis were so tiny that the only option that I had was to plant them in a hole (1/8" ID) drilled into a large piece of bark as the "incubator." To water feed the babies, the bark is soaked in water.
I lost a few from leaf rotting due to constant contact with the wet bark. A piece of plastic and netting was then placed between the bark and the leaf to prevent the rotting.
The paph babies were large enough to be potted, but it's hard to water. Semi-water culture didn't work well.
So, here is my third attempt. The babies were "sewed" onto a piece of plastic sheet, and then, the sheet was taped on to a piece of small plastic tubing. Small pieces of bark were put into the tubing from the bottom and held in place with plastic netting inserted into the tube. To water feed the baby, the tube is dipped into a water bath. Another advantage is that the condition underneath the plant can be monitored if a clear tube is used.
Intensive care for premature babies
Threaded Mode
