One year from flask?

[skyheaven]

I was wondering if any one could tell me witch type of orchids can bloom one year from flask? I am looking to purchase some of my first flasks and wanting an easy fast growing bloomer. Has any one had luck lately? On this topic. Thanks for reading sky

[Royal]

One year is pretty ambitious, and maybe a bit unrealistic. Shooting for two years is still being optimistic.

Cattleyas and Phals are the easiest growers out of flask. The faster of the two to bloom are the Phals. Of course there are other important factors like the condition of the flask and the particular species or hybrid.

[skyheaven]

Well I was really leaning toward a sight called the big leaf orchid. Witch was recommend to me. I am looking at the smaller phals. I really like the violancea type. I am new to this deflating I thought I read somewhere a long time ago about some types taking a year sorry my mistake. Thanks you sky

[Royal]

Well, don't be discouraged. One year IS possible, just probably not likely.

I also highly recommend Big Leaf Orchids. They do have offer flasks, but they are select crosses so some can get a little pricey for someone just trying out seedlings. They do have a few that are priced a bit lower. Here's an idea, how about a few compots? They're a bit cheaper (usually) since there's less plants, and they are past the really touchy stage where plants can perish easily. Let us know what you wind up doing. Have fun!

[DManley]

Compots would also be a bit closer to blooming size too. The advice I got was to practice with a few seedlings, then try compots, then go to flasks. This way, you learn the steps without losing as many plants, and by the time you are getting the hang of the flasks, you are enjoying the blooms from your seedlings.

I have the seedlings going well enough that I feel ready to jump into a compot as soon as I find the right one. Then I will work up the nerve to try a flask. The other flask advice I got was that many Dendrobium are very hardy out of the flask. The exact advice was "They may not be the first to bloom, but they will be the last to die!" Sounds like the plant I need to learn on!

Good Luck,

Dave