protocorm flasks - Orchid Board

Becca · #1 11-09-2007, 10:15 AM

Hi Everyone! I wasn't sure where to plop this thread, so here it is. I have found a protocorm flask that I would like to buy, but the listing states only experienced flaskers should buy since protocorm flasks require certain procedures that a hobbiest wouldn't be familiar with. Where could I learn what these procedures are, and how hard is it really? I thought it would make a fun winter project for me to keep me occupied. TIA!

Undergrounder · #2 11-09-2007, 10:38 AM

Hi i'm not an experienced flasker but i would bet that they're so small that they need to be replated.

Basically you need to cook up a few more flasks with a slightly different medium that has a rooting hormone and/or a slushed banana. You need to either buy the medium pre-mixed or make some up yourself using fertilisers, sugar, hormones, agar and a banana.

Then you need to be able to transfer them from the original flask and somehow keep the process sterile.

Then you need to grow the flasks under lights or maybe near a suitable window.

Its not impossible, just you need a bit of equipment and the ability to keep everything perfectly sterile, which can be really hard because if just one tiny germ lands on your fresh agar, all the plants in there will be destroyed.

The whole process might take up to 20 months depending on what they are and how many times they need to be replated

cb977 · #3 11-09-2007, 10:45 AM

Becca, if the company themselves are saying "only experienced flaskers should buy since protocorm flasks require certain procedures that a hobbiest wouldn't be familiar with", I'd pay attention to them.

Becca · #4 11-09-2007, 10:46 AM

Yeah I did some searching on the internet and I think I will let it be...lol.

cb977 · #5 11-09-2007, 10:51 AM

I think you made the right choice

Ross · #6 11-09-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Yeah I did some searching on the internet and I think I will let it be...lol.

Becca, if you want to move beyond the stage you are at now, why not consider something called a compot (a community pot). There are usually many seedlings out in the air already and all you have to do is use your knowledge to keep them alive while grow up. Much easier to assure success than a flask. Just a thought.