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05-14-2012, 02:53 PM
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deflasking questions
I will be getting my first ever flask this week (hopefully). Vendor said that although they are ready to be deflasked, it is better to leave plants in flask for couple more months (I guess until July), so I will have some time to be prepared mentally and supplywise. Since I know absolutely nothing about the whole process, I am looking for all the info I can get. I found some threads describing process, but they usually don't have an update, so I have no idea if it worked or not really.
If somebody has proved method that worked in a non-greenhouse environment, please share your instructions.
It is a phalaenopsis flask.
Thanks a lot.
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05-14-2012, 04:09 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Zone: 9a
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 9,313
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If he's telling you to leave the seedlings in flask, he has a special method for hardening them off that he needs to describe to you in detail.
I personally don't like leaving seedlings in flask because of possible fungal or bacterial contamination or seedling damp off.
I feel that it's better to harden them off out of flask.
You need to place them in a shady and very humid environment and gradually acclimate them to a less humid environment. This process could take a month to 2 months, maybe more, to get done properly.
Expect losses. Don't be surprised to lose a large number of them in the process.
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Philip
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05-15-2012, 09:41 AM
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Thank you.
I realize all the problems coming with this task. In fact, the more I read, more nervous I get.
Summer time should help, our summers are usually hot and humid, and probably I could use one of the propagation trays with clear plastic dome, that they sell at Lee Valley(if they are still available).
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05-15-2012, 11:14 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Zone: 7b
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 1,542
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Just wanted to try and reassure you on this orchideya. Don't be too scared of this process. Flasking is a bit of survival of the fittest, and you'll likely have to really fowl up to lose all that is in the flask. Once you pop the cork, you'll find some protocorns that haven't grown. Some will have no leaves but have ok looking roots, and then you'll have a hodgepodge of larger and medium looking seedlings.
If the seedlings are ready to be deflasked, all you have to do is pot them up and keep them in a high humidity envt as King mentioned. I dothis by using the large plastic cover from a cake (or something similar in your case) I was given a while back. It works great. I plant similar sized seedlings in high grade moss with a small amount of LECA in the bottom for drainage. My last 20+ plant flask came with about 35 seedlings, 12 of which were large, 12 were medium sized, 5-8 were small stragglers that might make it, and the rest were probably goners from the start. Some seedlings are just weaker and dont make it, and you've got to not worry about them.
Once they get acclimated and put a little size on them, they really take off.
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05-17-2012, 09:39 AM
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Thank you Jarad.
I am ready to loose seedlings, even if just couple would survive, I will be happy for the first time.
The other thing I am afraid of - if the flask becomes messed up during shipment and needs to be opened right away, that's why I asked vendor if it is ready to be deflasked.
It should be delivered today along with three new phals. I will take a picture and ask you guys if it looks ok or has to be opened.
Thanks again.
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